The struggles of addiction recovery are both physical and psychological as the body and mind start healing from the damage done by substance abuse. For many of those in recovery, this comes with concerns of self-harm or suicide.
Providing easy and instant access to suicide prevention support is critical, which is why the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched and can be reached anywhere in the U.S. by dialing 988.
The New Suicide Prevention Hotline 988
Founded and operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, the new hotline is part of an organizational shift towards broader public access to crisis assistance. Over three in every four Americans aren’t familiar with 988 or the national suicide prevention hotline.
The shift to a three-digit number will make it easier to spread awareness of the hotline to both expedite how quickly those in need get the help they need and reduce the strain on other emergency lines, overall reducing response times across the board. Currently the organization is working to improve resources to underserved areas and tailor local response teams to each region.
Addiction Increases Suicide Risk
Studies have found that over half of all suicides are connected to drug or alcohol dependence. Looking at it from the other end and the same studies found that around 25% of those dependent on drugs or alcohol end up committing suicide. The disproportionate number of those suffering from addiction being victims of suicide is why getting the proper help is so important.
What Changes During Substance Abuse
Addiction can quickly take over one’s life, changing how they think about and approach life. Over time, they may start losing hope that they’ll ever be able to quit. This hopelessness can build, especially if the individual also begins to self-isolate. This can combine with any trauma or other stressors that led to initial substance abuse, but it can also compound on itself to unbearable levels.
It’s common for addiction to also lead to riskier behavior and poor decision making, two things that can make someone regret their decisions after they realize what’s happened. The overwhelming feelings of regret, hopelessness, and loneliness are the main contributing factor to the increased suicide risk associated with substance dependence.
Finding Support To Overcome Addiction
Even once you’ve started recovery, it will take time to learn how to cope with these feelings in a healthy way. Through behavioral therapies and counseling, you’ll have the chance to tackle these issues with the full support of an entire recovery team.
Anyone who suffers from substance use disorder (SUD) should be assessed for suicide risk, even if currently there are no thoughts of suicide. Part of substance abuse is numbing your mind to certain feelings without addressing them. As they build in the background, so too does the risk of suicidal tendencies once sober.
With an understanding of how challenging it is to break away from addiction and dependencies, America’s Rehab Campuses is here to help. You can reach our team 24/7 or visit us at any time for an emergency consultation or intake. Our compassionate addiction recovery specialists are here to help you or a loved one find long-term sobriety, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
