Addiction and suicide

A study in 2019 suggested that more than half of people who die by suicide who had recently accessed mental health services had a history of alcohol or drug misuse and with alcohol being among the most common substance addictions in the UK, this more prevelant. Some studies indicate that when a person abuses alcohol, they are eight times more likely to commit suicide.

Overall, it was found that when people abuse drugs, they are more likely to be suicidal, and when people have suicidal thoughts, they are more likely to abuse drugs.

The biggest link between suicide and addiction is that addiction can lead to higher chances of depression, one of the most common causes of suicide. Some people with addiction develop depression due to the impact of the substance on their brain, and others become depressed because substance abuse begins to affect their life negatively.

Another common cause of suicide, or suicidal feelings, is financial issues. We know that people with addiction are more likely to eventually struggle financially due to the cost of consuming drugs regularly. If left unmanaged, this can eventually lead to suicidal thoughts over time.

Isolation also plays a part in suicide; when you abuse drugs, you are more at risk of feeling isolated from others. This could be because your loved ones have distanced themselves from you for various reasons or because you are avoiding your loved ones to hide your substance use.

If you have suicidal thoughts and are suffering from addiction, it’s important to address which is the primary condition. If suicidal thoughts are a side-effect of your substance use, then entering a rehab addiction treatment programme to take control of your cravings should help the suicidal thoughts to subside. However, if addiction is a side-effect of your suicidal thoughts, then this must be addressed first, with a mental health specialist.

Oasis Bradford can help you beat addiction, as long as any secondary conditions are managed.

Here are some ways in which rehab can help address your suicidal thoughts:

• Detox: Detox is the process of ridding your body of addictive substances and toxins safely. This process can come with withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, so having professional support on hand is vital. Once your body is free of the toxic substances, you can begin to focus on freeing your mind from the toxic thoughts that plague you.
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy: At Oasis Bradford, we integrate dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) into our comprehensive treatment methods, helping tame your addictive behaviours (and, subsequently, suicidal thoughts) by providing coping skills for emotional regulation, incorporating mindfulness practices, and fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship, improving your overall mental health and wellbeing.
• Trauma therapy: Within trauma therapy, we address the underlying causes of your substance abuse. It provides a compassionate and supportive approach that recognises the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction. This will allow you to process and heal from your trauma, promoting healthy coping skills and resilience.
• Aftercare: Suicide is often linked to isolation, so we ensure that people in recovery have a strong support network of peers and staff. People in recovery need to connect with other sober individuals on forums, at social events, or through self-help meetings. At Oasis Bradford, our Alumni programme teaches clients how to repair and forge new relationships and keep connections thriving.

All treatments supplied at Oasis Bradford will enable our dual-diagnosis clients who experience suicidal thoughts and addiction to address both concerns within group therapy.

Addiction and suicide are two deeply concerning issues, and overcoming your addiction whilst simultaneously battling suicidal thoughts is extremely challenging and isolating. You have to remember you are not alone, and overcoming your dual diagnosis is not a hurdle meant for you to conquer alone.
With a compassionate and dedicated team of professionals, Oasis Bradford offers a comprehensive range of support services, including counselling, therapy, and rehabilitation programmes. Our holistic approach addresses the underlying causes of addiction while providing a safe and nurturing environment for individuals contemplating suicide.

You can see the treatments we provide by looking at our rehab programme or enquire for more information by contacting us today.

Frequently Asked Questions