Suicide and Substance Abuse – A Frightening Correlation

With all the publicity surrounding the recent celebrity deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, people are asking why.

Many people, who most believe have everything they could ever want including fame, wealth and all the toys money can buy, die by their own hand. Historically some of the most famous celebrities from Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, to Michael Jackson and Prince, and countless others have died, and what is the one common factor? Substance abuse. Some of the deaths are accidental overdoses, others are intentional suicide, but substance abuse is the common thread. The suicide and substance abuse correlation is not just for those with fame and fortune. It hits people of every race, gender and social status. Wealth is not a factor either, both the wealthy and the poor and all financial ranges in between are at risk.

Substance abuse, whether it is drugs or alcohol, is shown to statistically increase the likelihood of suicide.

– and the numbers are alarming.  Studies have shown that suicide is the leading cause of death among people with substance use disorders and that drug-related suicide attempts rose 41% between 2004 and 2011.  According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) compared to the general population, people treated for alcohol abuse or dependence are at about ten times greater risk for suicide.

The Psychiatric Times reports that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States; it accounts for more than 34,000 deaths per year.  Suicide is often seen as the only way out of what an individual views as a hopeless situation.  When under the influence of substances and dealing with addiction those situations can appear even bleaker and solutions even farther away.  More than 93 deaths each day in the United States, is far too many suicides.

Some deaths are not intentional.  For someone who is abusing one or more substances sometimes, they unintentionally use more than their body can tolerate and they die from an accidental overdose.  Illicit drugs can be stronger than the person has taken before, or may be mixed with a substance that the person is not aware of, creating deadly results.

Celebrity deaths can be used as an opportunity to bring the frightening reality of substance abuse and suicide, as well as accidental overdose deaths, to the attention of society in general.  It is important to understand that substance use greatly increases the risk of death and it is equally important to begin to search for ways to decrease the ever-increasing statistics of people who die.

Education for both those who are abusing substances and for their families is important. Treatment programs are working with high-risk populations.  Although not all substance abuse related deaths can be prevented, substance abuse treatment centers must incorporate overdose and suicide prevention education into their programs to attempt to decrease numbers of deaths.

Gulf Breeze Recovery takes suicide and overdose
deaths very seriously.

Every guest is evaluated for current suicidal ideation and past suicide attempts.  If a guest has past or current suicidal thoughts it is addressed immediately with a mental health professional and then work continues with the person’s assigned therapist.

Watch un edited interviews with our guests on our testimonial page.

Everyone deserves to live a life of health and wellness and it is never too late to find the right rehabilitation program.  If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and you are looking for a quality treatment program, check us out.  We are sure you will like what we have to offer.

Contact us at Gulf Breeze Recovery or call: 833.551.2356 to speak to an addiction expert to learn more about our program that has helped so many people overcome their addiction and embrace life.  We help people not just to survive, but to THRIVE®.

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