Mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors, often co-occur with drug and alcohol use disorders. Studies show that individuals who abuse alcohol and drugs are at a greater risk of suicide compared with the general population.
Drug and alcohol addiction alters brain chemistry, which can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders, including suicidal tendencies. Opioid and alcohol use disorders are the most common types of substance use disorders (SUDs) implicated in suicide risks.
Understanding the Link Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
People who abuse drugs and alcohol often do so to cope with stress or self-medicate underlying mental health issues. Using substances as a coping mechanism creates a dangerous cycle of self-destruction, emotional distress, and hopelessness. Regular drug and alcohol use often worsens mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation.
Suicide is a leading cause of death among individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol. While mood disorders are among the most common risk factors for suicide, substance use disorders (SUDs) have been associated with vastly increasing susceptibility to suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths.
How Drug and Alcohol Addiction Fuels Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Studies show that individuals who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction are likelier to experience suicidal thoughts, ideation, and attempts. Opioids and alcohol have been reported as particularly dangerous when it comes to suicide risk with substance abuse. Factors such as mental health issues, impaired judgment, and social isolation fuel suicidal tendencies in addicted individuals.
Depression and Anxiety
Drug and alcohol addiction often coexists with mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety disorders. While substance abuse may initially be used as an escape, it ends up exacerbating depressive symptoms.
With continued drug and alcohol use, individuals find themselves feeling more hopeless and isolated. These feelings experienced when under the influence can lead to a more profound depression and give rise to suicidal ideation, thoughts, behaviors, and attempts.
Impaired Judgment
People with substance use disorders (SUDs) are often not reasoning, which can lead to risk-taking behaviors. Many individuals, when under the influence, make impulsive decisions that can lead to harmful, life-threatening consequences, including suicide attempts.
Social Isolation
Many people who struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD) isolate themselves from loved ones. As they push family members and friends away, they leave themselves without a strong support system.
Social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, depression, and anxiety. Without support in the darkest moments, this heightens the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in those battling addiction.
Financial and Legal Consequences
The downward spiral of drug and alcohol addiction often has countless financial and legal consequences. Many individuals may face job loss, financial struggles, and legal troubles, worsening feelings of stress and anxiety. The legal and economic repercussions of addiction can leave people feeling hopeless, lonely, and homeless, further increasing the risk of suicide.
The Role of Opioids and Alcohol in Suicide Risk
Opioid use disorders (OUDs) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are the two most frequently involved substances in suicidal ideation, attempts, and death. While all substances can increase one’s vulnerability to suicidal tendencies, opioids, and alcohol have been most commonly identified in suicide cases.
Alcohol and Suicidal Behavior
Compared to the general population, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is correlated with a tenfold higher risk for suicide. Alcohol is a depressant, which disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting mood, thinking, and behaviors.
With regular or heavy use of alcohol, individuals can go from experiencing euphoria and relaxation to mood swings and social isolation with alcohol consumption. The effects of alcohol lowers inhibitions and impair judgment, which can make individuals more vulnerable to acting on suicidal thoughts.
Research shows that over a third of suicide victims had alcohol in their system at the time of death. More suicide victims test positive for alcohol than any other mind-altering substance.
Opioids and Overdose Risks
Many opioid-related overdoses and overdose deaths are classified as accidental overdoses. However, research suggests that suicidal tendencies may be an element in opioid overdose deaths. People who use opioids are 14 times more susceptible to suicide compared to the general population. Several factors can influence the risk of suicide and opioid use disorder (OUD), including:
- Lack of family support
- Unemployment
- Homelessness
- Childhood trauma
These social and environmental disadvantages are highly prevalent among individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD) and suicidal tendencies. Opioids work to alleviate the physical and emotional pain associated with chronic pain, which can be a negative reinforcement for self-medication.
The psychological pain experienced with chronic pain and opioid use is itself a risk factor for suicidal thoughts, ideation, and behaviors. Individuals may intentionally overdose on opioids as a means to escape physical and psychological distress.
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Suicide
Drug and alcohol addiction can steal lives through overdose and suicidal tendencies. Understanding the connection between substance use disorders (SUDs) and suicide can allow for early intervention and potentially save lives. If you or someone you love is battling addiction and suicidal thoughts, help is available.
Watching out for the warning signs of suicidal behaviors and addiction can be life-saving. Some of these signs may include:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Feeling empty or having no reason to live
- Taking dangerous risks
- Extreme mood swings
- Giving away possessions or making final arrangements
- Irregular eating or sleeping habits
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health and addiction professionals. Help is always within reach. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
Contact Coastal Detox today for addiction treatment services and alcohol and drug detox programs in Stuart, FL.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009. Addressing Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment.
- The American Journal of Psychiatry, 2018. A Closer Look at Substance Use and Suicide.
- Journal of Addictive Diseases, 2008. Suicide Risk Associated with Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
- Current Addiction Reports, 2021. Suicide Risk and Addiction: The Impact of Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders.
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2010. Suicidal Behavior and Alcohol Abuse.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2017. Opioid dose and risk of suicide.
- National Institute of Mental Health, 2022. Warning Signs of Suicide.