The iconic British prime minister Winston Churchill famously said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Yet, for millions of people who struggle with substance use, this advice fails to reach them. These are also the same people who tend to struggle with suicidal behaviors, which have been significantly linked to substance use. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help you or a loved one with both substance use and suicidal behaviors.
Understanding Substance Use and Suicidal Behaviors
Suicidal behaviors and substance use are intrinsically linked. According to the peer-reviewed journal Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, “Suicides are a leading cause of death among those who have SUDs, particularly due to the disinhibition involved with intoxication. As such, we used large, nationally representative data to examine the relationship between SUDs and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and adults during 2020, a year when substance use and global uncertainty increased. Our results illustrated that adults with SUDs had a 3- to 4-fold greater risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors than those without SUDs.”
Many people also utilize alcohol and substances to cope with feelings of anxiety and depression that include suicidal ideations. Of course, using these substances will eventually only make the situation worse. This is because alcohol and drugs are only a short-term solution to a much deeper problem. Eventually, they will stop working, and you will be left with the same feelings, as well as a potential addiction to contend with.
How Is Addiction Linked to Suicidal Behaviors?
The reality is that both issues of addiction and attempts at suicide have risen in recent years. According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Addiction Reports, “Suicide rates rose by 35% in the US over the past two decades despite significant efforts to reverse this pattern by identifying risk factors and preventative interventions. While mood disorders are among the most important risk factors for suicide, comorbidity with alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUD) vastly increases vulnerability to suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths. Additionally, suicidal ideation and behavior are significant clinical concerns among those seeking treatment for AUD/SUD, and the risk for highly lethal suicide attempts remains to be elevated even after remission from SUD.”
Addiction is a very isolating disease (and yes, it is a disease, rather than a choice). This isolation can leave you feeling like there is nowhere to turn when times of struggle take over. This isolation also prevents individuals from receiving the help they desperately need.
Substance use also greatly affects judgment and exacerbates the negative feelings that we can often have about ourselves. So, instead of rational action, we often feel suicidal, and if under the influence, the chances of doing something drastic go up dramatically. This is why seeking help as soon as a problem is recognized is critical. The key is knowing the signs to look out for.
Signs of Addiction and Suicidal Behaviors
There are many universal signs of addiction and suicidal behaviors. The following are just a few:
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Feeling overly anxious or depressed
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Struggling to stay asleep or sleeping too much
- Not being able to stop drinking or using once started
- Slipping into excessive mood swings
- Feeling like you want to harm yourself or others
- Thinking about using or drinking while doing something else
- Feeling like there is nowhere else to turn
How to Stop Suicidal Behaviors Before It Is Too Late
The reality is that substance use and suicidal behaviors lead to life-or-death situations. This is why these feelings should never be ignored. Addiction and mental illness are chronic diseases that will almost always get worse without some type of professional intervention.
The good news is that there are highly effective ways to help one recover from issues of addiction and suicidal behaviors. Methods include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can get to the underlying issues that often lead to these feelings and behaviors.
Staying Connected in Recovery
There are also many programs that can help you connect with other people who are struggling with similar issues. This “shared struggle” is often a critical factor in ultimately attaining the long-term success that you are seeking.
These programs may include 12-Step recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or group therapy sessions via a treatment center. The key is to find the people who have similar goals and stick with them.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Addiction and feelings of suicide have no place in a healthy and fulfilling life. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You can do this! We can help.
Many people don’t realize just how linked substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicidal ideations and behaviors really are. This is just the reality of addiction and its link to poor mental health. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one avoid addiction and subsequent suicidal behaviors. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about addiction and suicidal ideation, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
