Suicide and Addiction | Links, Symptoms & Treatment

When someone we care about shows signs of suicidal tendencies, it can be incredibly distressing. It’s crucial to recognise that every situation is unique and serious. Understanding the difference between suicidal thoughts, attempts and cries for help can guide us in providing the right kind of support and intervention.

Suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts involve thinking about, considering or planning suicide. These thoughts can range from fleeting ideas to detailed planning. They are often a cry for help, a sign that someone is struggling deeply with their emotions and needs support.

Example: A person who has recently experienced a major loss might find themselves thinking about how things might be easier if they weren’t around. Though they haven’t made any plans, these thoughts are a red flag that they need help.

Suicidal attempts

A suicidal attempt is an action taken with the intention of ending one’s life but does not result in death. These attempts are critical moments that require immediate intervention and ongoing support to ensure the person’s safety and recovery.

Example: Someone who took an overdose of sleeping pills, hoping to end their life, survived because a friend found them in time and called for help. This attempt is a clear sign that they are in a dangerous place and need urgent professional assistance.

Cries for help

Cries for help are actions or statements made to indicate that someone is struggling and may be considering suicide, even if they don’t actually intend to follow through. These can be seen as a desperate plea for attention and support.

Example: An individual frequently talks about feeling worthless and sometimes mentions wishing they could disappear. They have not made any plans but their words and behaviours are indicative of their distress and their need for support and understanding.

Each of these situations is a call for help and deserves compassionate and immediate attention. By understanding the nuances between suicidal thoughts, attempts and cries for help, we can better support those in our lives who may be struggling. It’s essential to take any sign seriously and to encourage seeking professional help.

Studies reveal that over 50% of all suicides are linked to alcohol and drug dependence. This highlights just how deeply substance abuse can affect mental health. Alarmingly, at least 25% of individuals struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction end up taking their own lives.

The situation is even more concerning for adolescents. Over 70% of adolescent suicides involve complications from drug and alcohol use. This shows just how vulnerable young people can be when dealing with substance abuse.

Given these facts, it’s essential to assess anyone dealing with addiction for suicidal thoughts, especially if they are actively using substances.

Treating any addiction alone is challenging but it becomes even more complex when suicidal behaviours are involved. Below, we’ll explore some addictions that have strong links to suicidal behaviours:

Drug Addiction

Struggling with drug addiction means facing an uncontrollable urge to use substances like opioids, cocaine or stimulants. This can alter the brain, making continued use feel necessary. The hopelessness that often accompanies this battle, along with the physical and mental strain, can lead to thoughts of suicide or even attempts. The isolation and financial stress that come with addiction increase these risks. A recent study highlights that substance use disorders significantly raise the risk of suicide, especially in women.

Alcohol addiction

Alcoholism involves a loss of control over drinking due to both physical and emotional dependency. The depressive effects of alcohol can worsen mental health issues and the resulting social and financial problems can lead to suicidal thoughts. Recent research shows a strong link between alcohol misuse and increased risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts and fatalities among both young people and adults, even in the absence of other psychiatric disorders.

Gambling addiction

Gambling addiction disrupts a person’s life through an inability to stop gambling despite the negative consequences. The financial losses and resulting stress and shame can drive someone to consider suicide as an escape. A study found that up to 81% of those in treatment for gambling addiction have experienced suicidal thoughts, with 7-30% having attempted suicide.

Addressing addiction in individuals with suicidal thoughts requires a comprehensive and integrated care approach. Linwood House offers a diverse range of rehabilitation therapies that, while primarily focusing on addiction, also provide significant benefits for those grappling with suicidal thoughts. Among the most impactful therapies are:

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is a specialised form of therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce self-harm behaviours and enhance relationships. By combining CBT’s emphasis on thought patterns with mindfulness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance strategies, DBT offers a holistic approach that addresses both addiction and suicidal thoughts.
• Individual Therapy: In a secure and confidential setting, individual therapy allows individuals experiencing suicidal behaviours and addiction to explore their emotions, triggers and underlying issues. Therapists use evidence-based techniques such as DBT and Motivational Interviewing to address distorted thought patterns, improve coping skills and develop healthier strategies for managing emotional distress. This tailored approach provides essential support, helping individuals navigate the challenges of a dual diagnosis like addiction and suicidal thoughts.
• Aftercare: Aftercare is a crucial part of the recovery process, playing a vital role in maintaining the progress achieved during treatment and aiding the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Linwood House’s aftercare programme includes group therapy sessions, offering ongoing support and a platform to address continuing challenges. These sessions reinforce the coping strategies learned during treatment and act as a safety net to prevent relapses of addiction and suicidal behaviours.

If you or someone you know is showing suicidal behaviour, please contact a helpline immediately. Your safety is the top priority. Once you’re in a safer place, reach out to Linwood House for support in treating addiction and learning effective ways to manage unwanted thoughts and actions. Your well-being matters and help is available.