What is Suicidal Behavior?
Suicide is the act of taking one’s own life, on purpose. Suicidal behavior are any actions that could result in death and is done on purpose. Such as overdosing or crashing a car purposely. Suicide and suicidal behavior are more likely in certain populations.
Such as those who have:
- Mental disorders (bipolar, borderline personality disorder, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia)
- Those who use and abuse drugs or alcohol
- Those with a history of abuse (mental, physical, or sexual)
- Those who have stressful life issues
Many who attempt suicide are actually seeking relief from the above situations and conditions. They may be feeling ashamed, guilty, or burdensome to others. They may also feel like a victim or may feel loss, rejection, loneliness, or loss. While men are more likely to die by suicide, women are twice as likely to attempt suicide. Suicide attempts are considered a cry for help as the method chosen gives a chance for rescue. Things such as poisoning or overdose. However, men tend to choose more violent methods like shooting themselves. No matter how a person attempts suicide, if it is unsuccessful it should be taken very seriously and help should be sought. There are many options for immediate help and emergency room visits. Even a call to a suicide hotline for further options is appropriate.
Tie to Addiction
Addiction and suicide have a complicated, but well-established relationship. While addiction greatly increases the risk of suicide, suicidal thoughts and tendencies also tend to increase the risk of addiction. This vicious cycle can be difficult to break. Suicide behavior is considered by medical professionals to be a leading cause of death. Especially among children and teens aged 10 to 14 years.
Substance abuse and addiction increase the severity and often duration of depressive episodes, even though they are often taken as a form of relief, but this increases the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and ideations. The risk is further increased because substance use often damages relationships for the addict in the family, personal, professional, and financial realms. What is worse is that many drugs also severely impact judgment which leads to suicide attempts.
Causes of Suicide
Though every case of suicide or attempted suicide is dramatically different and under different circumstances, there are often contributing factors. No single cause can be determined.
Common risk factors can include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Previous attempts
- Depression
- Substance or alcohol abuse
- Familial or community history of suicide
- History of abuse or violence
- Previous incarceration
- Presence of firearms in the home
- Violent behavior towards others
Out of all of these factors, only depression is more highly correlated than substance abuse. Those with substance abuse are six times as likely to attempt suicide.
Suicide and Opioid Use
There are many types of addiction, but opioids are the ones most likely to result in suicide. This may be in part due to accidental overdose, but there is no true way to make this determination. Men who suffer from opioid use disorder are twice as likely to commit suicide and women are eight times as likely. Opioid use alone increases the likelihood of suicidal thoughts by 40 to 60 percent and suicidal attempts by up to 75 percent. There are further studies to suggest that those who inject opioids are 13 times as likely to die by suicide. Though other substance abuse types are tied to higher rates of suicide, especially when paired with other factors, opioids are the most dangerous.
Warning Signs
Though suicide cannot be accurately predicted, there are warning signs. Some people may exhibit what are considered classic warning signs for a long time prior to suicide or attempts. While others may show no signs publicly. It is rare that a person will exhibit all signs, and some that show signs will never actually make an attempt or kill themselves. But it is still good to be well informed in case signs are present.
The most common signs are:
- Hopelessness
- Expressing a desire for death
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Expressing a feeling of being trapped
- Reckless behaviors
- Avoiding social situations
- Isolating from others
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Heavy drug use or heavy drinking
- Sudden performance decrease in work or academic realms
Some of these signs are obvious while others are more subtle. Some can even be attributed to other causes. The point is, if someone you know or love is displaying signs it is better to be safe than sorry and encourage them to seek help. Often, people just need someone to notice and listen. For those also addicted to drugs and alcohol, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to limit the effects of addiction of suicidal tendencies.
Getting Help at The River
If you or a loved one is feeling suicidal, especially if it is related to substance abuse or alcohol use disorder then seek professional help. The River is located in Thailand and is considered a top facility in Southeast Asia. It offers an in-patient 12 week program that works with each individual to overcome addiction and related issues. The River is so sure of the program that if you relapse within one year you can come back to rehab for a month for a complementary stay. It works to combat addiction and other behavioral challenges with a focus on happy, healthy, and permanent recovery. The program utilized has been perfected through 80 years of use and directly addresses the problems of the addict. The River program also leads into the exploration of creative potential with the development of substitute behaviors for addiction and suicidal behavior.
Enjoy the beautiful views while being treated with evidence-based treatment practices with a core focus on life skills. Based in a luxurious setting with numerous amenities, The River is a rehab that can change your life for the better. Your life and livelihood are on the line and you deserve the best. That is why The River is the best choice.
