Substance Abuse and Suicide

OVERCOMING SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

Because substance abuse so greatly increases the risk of suicide, one of the most critical steps in suicide prevention is overcoming any addictions and getting sober.

Fig. 1.1: A pictorial view of a Substance Abuse suicidal scene (source:Helpguide.org)

Substance abuse may be drug abuse or alcohol abuse, and each abuse has an effect on the psychology of an individual. An addict develops short-term judgments, which are most times detrimental to their health. Short term judgment includes suicidal thought and other violent activities, which affects the individual physically and emotionally, as well as affects the people around such an individual. Critical steps in suicide prevention will alleviate the depression and related mental health symptoms of the individual who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, and improve their short-term judgment. It will also allow mental health professionals to more accurately assess and diagnose any underlying mental health concerns so that they can be properly treated.

Overcoming substance abuse and tendencies depends solely on the individual, as a firm acclamation by the individual to recover from this menace is the first approach to overcoming substance abuse and tendencies. Aside from the proclamation by the individual, psychotherapies, and medications are required to ensure complete healing of the brain and body to avoid suicidal thoughts.

1. Psychotherapies:

Multiple types of psychosocial interventions have been found to be beneficial for individuals who have attempted suicide. One type of psychotherapy is called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences through training. Similarly, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), a type of therapy developed to help people with borderline personality disorder, also can reduce suicidality. DBT uses mindfulness and other coping skills to decrease impulsive and destructive urges that can lead to suicide attempts.

1. Medication:

Some individuals at risk for suicide might benefit from medication. Doctors and patients can work together to find the best medication or medication combination, as well as the right dose. Certain medications have been shown to reduce the risk of suicide. Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), a mood-stabilizing medication used for bipolar disorder or major depression, has been shown to decrease suicides associated with depression. Similarly, clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo), an antipsychotic medication, can reduce the risk of suicide in people with schizophrenia.

In conclusion, suicidal thoughts which are mostly generated, but, substance abuse treatment programs can help overcome by self-proclaiming the zeal to undergo recovery process, participating in therapies as well as using appropriate medications.

FRUSTRATIONS LEADING TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Suicidal ideation can occur when a person feels they are no longer able to cope with an overwhelming situation. This could stem from financial problems, psychological problem, the death of a loved one, a broken relationship, a family history, or a devastating or debilitating illness.

Fig. 1.1: suicidal thoughts image (source:pininterest.com).

The most common situations or life events that might cause suicidal thoughts are grief, sexual abuse, financial problems, remorse, rejection, a relationship breakup, and unemployment.

The following risk factors may have an impact on the probability of someone experiencing suicidal ideation:

1. Family history

1. A family history of mental health issues
2. A family history of substance abuse
3. A family history of violence
4. A family history of suicide
5. A feeling of hopelessness
6. A feeling of seclusion or loneliness

 

1. Life events
2. Being gay with no family or home support
3. Being in trouble with the law
4. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
5. For children, having disciplinary, social or school problems
6. Having a problem with substance abuse
7. Having a psychiatric disorder or mental illness
8. Having attempted suicide before
9. Being prone to reckless or impulsive behavior
10. Possessing a gun
11. Sleep deprivation
12. Knowing, identifying, or being associated with someone who has committed suicide

Conditions that are linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation include:

1. Psychological effects
2. Adjustment disorder
3. Anorexia nervosa
4. Bipolar disorder
5. Body dysmorphic disorder
6. Borderline personality disorder
7. Dissociative identity disorder
8. Gender dysphoria, or gender identity disorder
9. Major depressive disorder
10. Panic disorder
11. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
12. Schizophrenia
13. Social anxiety disorder
14. Generalized anxiety disorder
15. Substance abuse
16. Exposure to suicidal behavior in others

In conclusion, the causes of suicidal thoughts can include depression, anxiety, eating disorders such as anorexia, and substance abuse. Genetic factors may increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Individuals with suicidal thoughts tend to have a family history of suicide or suicidal thoughts as well as people with a family history of mental illness.

ADDICTION SUICIDAL TENDENCIES SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

There are various signs and symptoms accompanied by addiction suicidal tendencies. Majorly these signs are enveloped in depression and other mental related disorder, but understanding each sign and symptom will help avoid this tendency.

fig 1.1: Addiction Suicidal Tendencies Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms include;

1. Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves: Most individuals who have the suicidal tendency frequently discuss the topic of committing suicide to their peers. This is a vital sign if the individual abuses a particular substance.
2. Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live: addicts with the tendency to commit suicide always relay problems of being empty to their peers.
3. Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun: Making a plan to kill oneself when under the influence of a particular substance is a tendency for addiction suicide in a long run.
4. Talking about great guilt or shame: Addiction suicide occurs as a result of self-guilt by the individual.
5. Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions: One of the signs of addiction suicide is the feeling of being helpless by these addicts.
6. Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain): Also pain influences the tendency for addiction to suicide, as it is seen as a means to end all pains.
7. Talking about being a burden to others: Due to the empty lifestyles of these addicts, they are forced to rely on other individuals for support, which is a long run, forces them to feel they have become a burden to the individual, and search solutions to their misery.

Other addiction tendencies signs and symptoms include;

1. Using alcohol or drugs more often
2. Acting anxious or agitated
3. Withdrawing from family and friends
4. Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
5. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
6. Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
7. Talking or thinking about death often

1. Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
2. Giving away important possessions
3. Saying goodbye to friends and family
4. Putting affairs in order, making a will.

These signs and symptoms show an individual’s tendency to committing suicide, and immediate intervention should be recommended to safeguard the life of the individual.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ubHXy9jcUY4