Suicide: Drug Addiction’s Hidden Risk

Anyone who knows and cares about an addict has many concerns, the biggest fear is that addiction may take our loved one’s life. Am I right… we fear getting a call of a drug overdose? Was it a suicide or an accidental overdose? What few think about, or actively work to prevent, is suicide. And while suicide is a well-known risk for those suffering with mental health problems, it also requires professional and spiritual attention for our loved ones that are addicts.

Did you know that suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the U.S.?  Depression and other mood disorders are the number-one risk factor for suicide, but alcohol and drug abuse – even without depression – are a close second. In fact, research has shown that the strongest predictor of suicide is alcoholism, not a psychiatric diagnosis. People with substance use disorders are about six times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.

Substance abuse not only increases the likelihood that a person will take their own life, but it is also used as a means for committing suicide. Roughly one in three people who die from suicide are under the influence of drugs, typically opiates such as oxycodone or heroin, or alcohol. Poisoning is the third-leading method used in suicide deaths, and drugs make up 75 percent of suicide deaths due to poisoning.

When Hope Runs Out

Why is suicide the tragic fate of so many people struggling with addiction? There are a few possible explanations. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people may lose inhibitions and take risks they ordinarily would not. Additionally, many people abuse drugs or alcohol in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. The rate of major depression is two to four times higher among addicts than the general population.

Although drugs may seem to help in the short term, they exacerbate problems over time. When attempting to stop using drugs, people may feel overwhelmed by the return of painful emotions that they had been medicating with drugs. They may also be clear-headed enough to carry out suicidal thoughts and plans. Transitions, such as entering or leaving treatment, relapse, and death, divorce or other major life changes, can be especially vulnerable times.

I know my son had threatened suicide in his active addiction so but I’m not sure if it was manipulation to try and get his way or if he indeed would act on his threats. It’s very scary when confronted with this situation. I’ts certainly nothing to take lightly.

Abusing drugs, especially depressants such as alcohol or sedatives, can also trigger symptoms of depression, increasing the risk of suicide. As the consequences of addiction pile up, from the stressors of legal problems and damaged relationships to financial ruin and job loss, our loved ones may lose all hope that things can get better. For some, it starts to seem like there are only two paths to relief: spiraling back into drug use or death.

Prevention Begins with Treatment…

Scientific studies have explored the close link between addiction and suicide. So why is the risk of suicide so often overlooked?

Although the suicide rate among patients with untreated substance use disorders is reportedly as high as 45 percent, only 11 percent of addicts get treatment. Stigma plays a role in keeping people from getting help, and lack of training in suicide prevention contributes to the problem once people do seek treatment.  

Primary care physicians are positioned to help identify and prevent suicidality, but only if they know what to look for and how to create an effective suicide prevention plan. Unfortunately, few have been trained to do this. As a result, many shy away from asking about and addressing suicidal ideation even when your loved one is struggling or has in the past struggled with addiction, depression or other mental health disorders.

Someone has to ask the difficult questions about whether the patient has ever considered or attempted suicide and whether they currently think about or intend to commit suicide. Someone needs to let the patient know that they are not alone, that they are cared for and that hope remains, and then collaborate with them and their loved ones to create a recovery plan that first ensures their safety and then addresses the underlying issues. Who better to do this than a trusted health care provider?

Research shows that certain populations that commit suicide, including older adults and women, are likely to have seen a primary care provider in the year before their death. Thus, improving our ability to recognize and treat the factors that lead to suicide can go a long way in helping to prevent it.article continues after advertisement

They know the very serious threats facing patients with addictions and mental health disorders. They also know that integrated dual diagnosis treatment for both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders by a multidisciplinary team of professionals can help people recover and prevent suicide. There are a number of promising medications, and therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy may reduce the risk of suicide attempts by as much as 50 percent.

What about God?

We talked about all the scientific research and prevention but where does God fit in all of this?

I can remember praying relentlessly and crying out to God when my son was threatening suicide or the time when he was a teen and he was cutting himself. I’m quite sure if your reading this you’ve been there too.

I know God sees us trying our best to help our child or other loved one. He knows our heartaches. He knows their pain. But, ultimately, they have to want Jesus to save them from this life of addiction and wanting to take their own lives. Knowing everyone has free will to accept Jesus or not can often be so daunting.

I’ll leave you with some thoughts and scriptures to comfort you about trusting God in these scary situations…

The key principle parents must adopt is the faith over fear mentality. God is not the author of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), and He doesn’t want you to parent out of it either.

Our world can be a dark and tempting place, but God is sovereign. He is trustworthy as we walk out our lives with Him, so He should be able to handle our kids. The tendency to worry about our children can be strong; resist it. Do not allow anxiety to guide the way your raise your children. For if it does, they will sense that trepidation, and either rebel against you or adopt the same fear mindset.

Psalm 62:8 –“Trust in him at all times, oh people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

The Good News: It’s easy to trust God when things are going well, but we must believe in Him in all times — good or bad. He will be there for us through it all.

Isaiah 26:4– “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”

The Good News: In life, there are many things we should and can be unsure about — but God’s love is not one of them. He never wavers, He is always there. If there is anyone we should put our faith in, it’s the Lord.

Psalm 56:3– “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

The Good News: Fear is a normal part of life. But remember fear comes from Satan. But with God on our side, we can turn to Him in the darkest moments and know that He is there for us.

Conclusion

We worry about the addicts in our lives for good reason. They are at high risk of death by a number of causes including disease, accident and suicide. Suicide prevention requires a multifaceted approach, but it all hinges on the person reaching out for help and effective treatment being available when they take that brave step.

National Suicide Prevention Week is an annual week-long campaign in the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide. If you are in need of immediate help to get your loved one the help needed please call this 24 hour hotline.

Turn to God in prayer and don’t wait to seek spiritual or professional help! No one should have to face a loved one in a coffin or read a suicide note like this from your loved one….

I would love to hear your thoughts about suicide prevention and addiction. Please feel free to share your feelings about my blog…

I’ll leave you with this question….Have you ever been in this very tragic situation with a loved one or maybe yourself? Please message me beneath. I look forward to hearing from you!

The reality of suicide with drugs is–at the time of death does it really matter if it was suicide or a accidental overdose…either way the drugs took a life!

God bless you in the spiritual battle with addiction and suicide prevention.