Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, especially concerning individuals between the ages of 10-34. Factor in substance use disorders and it only increases the risk of potential suicide. More than 90% of individuals who commit suicide struggle with addiction, mental health, or both. This is what makes the connection between suicide and addiction so prevalent.
If you have a loved one dealing with alcohol or drug abuse, has expressed having suicidal thoughts, or has attempted suicide, contact the professional interventionists at Drew Horowitz & Associates. An intervention may help them agree to treatment for substance abuse and be what saves their life.
Warning Signs Your Loved One Is At Risk Of Suicide
Understanding what actions and behaviors to watch out for can prevent some suicides. Unfortunately, not enough people know the potential warning signs someone may exhibit if they’re considering harming themselves.
If someone you know is struggling with substance use or their mental health, it’s important to know what warning signs to look for and to help them seek long-term recovery in a treatment program.
Here are some common signs that someone may be considering hurting themselves or committing suicide:
- Increasing drug or alcohol use
- Extreme changes in eating & sleeping habits
- Severe mood swings
- Isolating themselves
- Giving away possessions
- Lost interest in activities & hobbies
It is important to remember that everyone behaves differently and many addicts are extremely good at hiding their emotions and issues, making warning signs difficult to spot. Individuals dealing with substance abuse are six times more likely to attempt suicide at least once in their lives. Being a support group for your family and friends is essential to saving lives.
What Can You Do To Help Prevent Suicide?
If you are worried about a family member or close friend harming themselves, the first thing you should do is reach out to them. By letting them know that someone in their life cares about them, it can show them their life is worth continuing. Oftentimes, individuals who commit suicide believe nobody will care if they are gone and it won’t matter if they kill themselves.
Showing empathy can help save lives. Along with showing them you care, encourage them to seek alcohol or drug addiction treatment. If they are experiencing addiction along with their mental health issues, a treatment center specializing in behavioral therapies and addiction can help them start feeling better and become alcohol and/or drug-free.
Types Of Treatment Available
There are many different ways to treat someone struggling with their mental health and/or addiction. A detox is an essential tool in treatment as it helps rid the mind and body of all harmful substances in their system. It is important that detox be performed under the supervision of a trained professional at a specialized treatment facility.
In order to best treat the individual, treatment will often center around behavioral therapies, family and group therapy, and even medically-assisted treatments. This can take place at an inpatient facility, an outpatient clinic, or a hospital.
Finding the right treatment center can be difficult, which is why the professionals at Drew Horowitz & Associates are here to help. If you believe someone you know may consider harming themselves, give us a call. We’ll help you put together a plan to help save their life.
