According to WHO (World Health Organization), 800,000 people worldwide die from suicide every year. The CDC (Center for Disease Control), says suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.
It comes as no surprise that depression and other mood disorders are the number one risk for suicide, but many people don’t realize that alcoholism, even when depression isn’t involved, is a close second. In fact, research indicates that alcoholism, not depression, is the highest predictor of suicide.
The CDC also reports that addicted people are six times more likely to commit suicide than people without substance abuse disorders.
Why is the Suicide Rate so High for People with Substance Abuse Disorders?
All too often, people turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve the pain of anxiety or depression. Research indicates that one in three people who commit suicide are under the influence of alcohol or drugs such as opiates or oxycodone. Anyone who uses drugs or alcohol to self-medicate depression or anxiety is at higher risk of suicide.
In some cases, people are more likely to engage in risky behavior or self-harm because they lose their inhibitions when using drugs or alcohol.
Some people commit suicide due to the consequences of addiction, such as broken relationships, or financial or legal problems.
