Struggling with a substance use disorder can deeply affect mental health, and the risk of suicide is much higher for those facing these challenges.  Addiction to alcohol or drugs increases the risk further, making suicide up to 14 times more likely. If you or someone you care about is going through this, please know you’re not alone, and help is available. Understanding this connection and reaching out for support can save lives.

What disorder is most commonly linked to suicide?

Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly known as clinical depression, is the mental health condition most strongly linked to suicide. Individuals with MDD often experience ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Other mental health disorders associated with an increased risk of suicide include:

Bipolar disorder: Characterised by extreme mood swings, including depressive episodes that can elevate suicide risk.

Substance use disorders: The misuse of drugs or alcohol can impair judgment and increase impulsivity, contributing to suicidal behaviours.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD): Marked by emotional instability and impulsive actions, individuals with BPD may have a higher risk of suicide.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Following traumatic events, individuals with PTSD may experience heightened suicide risk due to persistent distress and emotional pain.

Schizophrenia: This severe mental illness can lead to psychosis and social isolation, both of which are linked to an increased risk of suicide.

It’s important to note that while these disorders are associated with a higher risk of suicide, not everyone with these conditions will experience suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including biological, psychological, social, and environmental elements.

What is the relationship between addiction and mental health?

Addiction and mental health are intertwined, often affecting and aggravating each other. This coexistence is commonly referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Here’s an overview of their relationship:

  1. Mental Health Disorders Can Lead to Addiction
  • Self-Medication: People with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD may use drugs or alcohol to ease their symptoms. This self-medication can increase the risk of developing substance use disorders.
  1. Addiction Can Exacerbate Mental Health Issues
  • Induced Symptoms: Substance abuse can trigger changes in brain structure and function, potentially leading to the development or worsening of mental health disorders. For instance, substance use may induce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
  1. Shared Risk Factors
  • Genetics and Environment: Both genetic predispositions and environmental factors, such as trauma or chronic stress, can contribute to the development of both mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
  1. Challenges in Treatment
  • Integrated Approach: Treating co-occurring disorders requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder simultaneously. Focusing on only one aspect often leads to incomplete recovery and a higher risk of relapse.

Understanding the complex relationship between addiction and mental health is crucial for effective treatment. Integrated care that addresses both aspects concurrently has been shown to improve outcomes.

Several factors influence addiction. Long-term substance use can create both mental and physical dependence, making it hard to stop. Genetics play a big role; if addiction runs in the family, you’re more likely to struggle with it. Mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder often go hand in hand with addiction.
Environmental factors, such as easy access to substances or growing up in a home where substance use is common, also increase the risk. Additionally, traumatic childhood experiences can raise the likelihood of addiction later in life.
Addictive behaviours can include misusing substances like alcohol, drugs, or nicotine, using a combination of them, or becoming addicted to behaviours such as gambling, gaming, internet use, sex, exercise, or even food.
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Psychological Factors Contributing to Addiction

  1. Stress
  2. Trauma 
  3. Mental Health Disorders
  4. Self-isolation
  5. Low self-worth and self-esteem
  6. Lack of belonging
  7. Lack of social integration

These factors may steer a person to engage in addictive behaviours as a solution to avoid their painful experiences and emotional distress. Unfortunately, the relief from their mental challenges is short-lived and a destructive cycle of addiction forms.

Individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) will engage in addictive behaviours such as drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, exercise, and food and shopping addictions.

Additionally, unresolved childhood trauma is a major contributing factor in engaging in risky behaviours which make a person vulnerable to developing substance use disorders.

External Factors Contributing to Addiction

  1. Sexual Assault
  2. Poverty 
  3. Crime and Homicide
  4. Childhood Abuse
  5. Dysfunctional interpersonal relationships

Trauma involving sexual and childhood abuse can have detrimental and fatal impacts on individuals. Additionally, persons born into poverty may face unique challenges as a result of living in impoverished areas, such as crime, easy access to substances and exposure to homicide.

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What is The Neurobiology of Addiction?

The study of neurobiology involves understanding how the cells in the nervous system interact with each other. Abusing substances for even a short period alters the brain’s structure and functionality. 

Studies have shown that abuse of drugs and/or alcohol can cause a significant reduction in grey matter. In particular, alcohol use disorder has been shown to decrease the size of the frontal lobe (the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making).  

However, it is important to note that addiction affects four key areas of the brain:

  • Nucleus accumbens (please and reward)
  • Hippocampus (memory and learning)
  • Amygdala (processing emotions)
  • Cerebellum (motor skills)

The good news is that the brain’s neuroplasticity makes recovery possible. This biological process combined with correct treatment and support can aid the brain in forming new and healthier behaviour patterns.

Statistics and Addiction Suicide Rates

The alarmingly high rate of suicide and addiction serves as a significant reminder of the severity of addiction.

Studies have shown that individuals who abuse drugs by intravenous methods are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide. Additionally, a study done on the United States population revealed sixty-five percent of suicide victims had alcohol use disorder. Lastly, 45 percent of individuals with cocaine dependencies had previously attempted suicide.

Mental Illness and Addiction

It may not come as a surprise that there is a link between mental health challenges, suicide and addiction. 

Common co-occurring mental illnesses include:

  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • GAD (General Anxiety Disorder)
  • PTSD 
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar mood disorders

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The Importance of Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Individuals with substance and alcohol use disorder must seek out professional help and treatment for their conditions. 

Admission into a well-established inpatient rehab with a professional multidisciplinary team that follows a biopsychosocial model of treatment is imperative for optimal results.

At We Do Recover, our multidisciplinary team includes:

  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Social Worker
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Registered Counsellors
  • Nurses 

The clinical team at We Do Recover has adopted a biopsychosocial approach to the treatment of substance and alcohol use disorder to ensure that addictive behaviours are treated.

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