Suicide and Addiction

Studies in the field of behavioral health have demonstrated a connection between substance use, addiction, and suicide. Researchers have identified several factors that may influence a person’s risk for suicide, including veteran status, socioeconomic status, level of education, decade of life, social support systems, as well as the presence of any mental illness or substance use.

Suicide Risk Factors

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.¹ Some of the most common risk factors for suicide include:¹

• Addiction and substance misuse.
• Being between the ages of 15 and 24 or over 60.
• Family history of suicide or suicide attempts.
• Family history of violence.
• History of trauma, including physical and sexual abuse.
• History of incarceration.
• Medical problems.
• Mental health issues such as depression.

Research has taken a look at the influence of positive or negative social environments on suicide rates.² For example, one study involving gay, lesbian, and transgendered youth found that those living in environments that were unsupportive of their sexual orientation were 20% more likely to commit suicide than those in supportive environments.²

In 2021, suicide was the 5th leading cause of death for people between 35 and 44 and the 2nd leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 34.³ Suicide was the 11th leading case of death, overall, in the U.S. claiming over 48,000 lives.³ 

Suicide Warning Signs and Prevention

There may be warning signs you can look out for to help someone who is considering suicide. Some of these include:¹

• An increase in drug/alcohol use.
• A change in sleep and eating habits.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or empty.
• Increased feelings of anxiety and agitation.
• Exhibiting extreme mood swings.
• Making a will and giving away personal items.
• Behaving recklessly or impulsively, such as driving dangerously.
• Researching a plan for suicide or acquiring the means to harm oneself (firearms, pills, etc.).
• Socially isolating and withdrawing from friends and family.
• Talking about wanting to die.

Call for Help

If you think someone you love may be at risk for suicide, there are things you can do to help. First and foremost, talk to your loved one about your concerns. Let them know that you are there to support them.

If you are a minor, talk to a trusted adult. If you are an adult, you can reach out to a doctor or therapist for help. Your primary care doctor can screen and provide you or your loved one with suitable referrals for help and treatment. You can also contact:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). All calls are confidential and they are available 24/7.

The National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 1-800-442-HOPE (4673). Trained counselors are available to help you through a crisis.

Crisis Text Line, text the word HOME to 741741 to chat with a crisis counselor. This is free and your conversations are confidential.

Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, then press 1. You can also text 838255, or chat online.

This crisis line is here to help Veterans to connect with VA responders to help you through a crisis.

Opioids and Suicide

Opioids are a class of drugs that include both legal-by-prescription and illegal substances. Some examples include:⁴

Because of their reinforcing effects on the brain, opioid agonist drugs have a known liability for misuse and dependence. Many people use prescription opioids to help manage pain, however, non-medical misuse of these medications can increase the risk of addiction development.⁴

Studies suggest that people who suffer from substance use disorders involving prescription opioids may be twice as likely to attempt suicide than those who do not misuse prescription opioids.⁵ Though it’s difficult to pinpoint a figure, some estimate that a significant number of opioid overdoses (up to 30%) may be intentional as a means of suicide.⁵

Suicide and Alcohol

Alcohol also impacts brain chemistry with its rewarding, reinforcing effects. This may help to explain why some people attempt to better cope with feelings of depression, anxiety, or sadness by drinking. However, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and its use may ultimately make certain mental health symptoms worse.

Alcohol and depression are both independent risk factors for suicidality.¹ Even in the short term, acute alcohol use may be associated with a greater number of suicide attempts. Relatively recent meta-analyses data estimate a nearly 7 times increase in the likelihood of a suicide attempt in those drinking compared to those who did not drink alcohol. The evidence further supports a dose-dependent effect, with high levels of drinking associated with even higher odds ratios.⁶ 

Mental Health and Suicide

Many suicides are related to mental health issues, with depression, psychosis, and substance use being perhaps the most influential risk factors.⁷ Other mental and behavioral health issues that may also increase a person’s risk for suicide include:⁷

• Anxiety disorders.
• PTSD.
• Eating disorders.
• Personality disorders.

How Can AAC Help?

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leader in treating people with both mental health issues and substance use disorders—a situation referred to as a dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders.

AAC has locations throughout the country including California, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. While every facility is unique, all AAC facilities provide evidence-based therapies and individualized treatment plans to meet each patients’ needs.

AAC offers the complete continuum of care, including detoxification, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, sober living residences, and aftercare. Some treatments offered include medically assisted detox, family therapy, art and music therapy, yoga, animal-assisted therapy, and wilderness therapy.

If you are looking for more information about AAC’s treatment programs, facilities, or overall care, reach out to connect with one of the compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators, who can answer your questions and explain your options.

There is hope if you or someone you know is suicidal or struggling with substance use and mental health issues. AAC has a variety of treatment options that can be tailored to you and your specific needs.