National Suicide Prevention Week is a valuable opportunity to address the complicated and often intertwined issues of suicide, overdose and addiction. These represent a significant challenge in mental health and substance use treatment. It’s essential to recognize the risk factors and know when it’s time to seek help.
The Relationship Between Suicide, Overdose and Addiction
Often, substance abuse increases the risk of suicide and accidental overdose. Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment, reduce impulse control and increase your likelihood of taking risks, including self-harm or consuming more than your body can handle. Additionally, the psychological distress that often accompanies addiction can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or despair, leading you to consider or attempt suicide.
Accidental overdose is a frighteningly common outcome of substance abuse due to factors like these.
- Tolerance fluctuations: Tolerance occurs when your body adapts to the presence of a drug. If you return to substance use after a period of sobriety, you may inadvertently consume more than you intended.
- Polysubstance use: Combining substances like alcohol and opioids can amplify their effects in unexpected ways, increasing the risk of overdose.
- Lack of awareness: Many drug dealers cut their products with fentanyl. Even a small amount of this potent opioid can cause a fatal overdose. The DEA reports seven out of 10 of the pills they’ve tested in their lab contained a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Risk Factors for Addiction and Suicide
Understanding the risk factors common to addiction and suicide is critical in prevention efforts.
- Mental health disorders: Depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety have close connections to increased substance use and a higher risk of suicide.
- History of trauma: Survivors of traumatic events, including physical or sexual abuse, may be more susceptible to substance abuse and suicidal behavior.
- Social isolation: A lack of supportive social networks can elevate substance use and suicide risk.
- Chronic pain or medical conditions: Self-medication with prescription drugs or illicit substances can spiral into addiction and elevate suicide risk.
Integrated Treatment Approaches
Given the complexities of these interconnected issues, healing must be comprehensive and multifaceted.
- Dual-diagnosis treatment: Effective treatment programs address co-occurring substance use disorders and accompanying mental health issues. Treating only one condition can lead to the persistence or worsening of the other.
- Community support and outreach: Surrounding yourself with compassionate, understanding people can reduce stigma and provide crucial resources to improve your well-being.
- Education and prevention programs: These can include training on the proper use of prescription medications, the dangers of illegal drug use and recognizing signs of suicide risk among your friends and family members.
Recovery That Lasts a Lifetime
The intersection of suicide, overdose and addiction represents one of the most pressing challenges in public health. As we observe National Suicide Prevention Week, let us commit to advancing understanding, improving interventions and expanding access to necessary resources.
Since 1993, New Found Life has helped people from Long Beach and beyond discover their road to recovery with a comprehensive approach and client-centered care. Over 30 years, our proven strategies and therapeutic offerings have paved the way for successful, lifelong sobriety for thousands of clients. Our admissions staff is here 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions.