The Hard Facts
Understanding the following cold, hard facts about addiction is important.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death to Americans
- Drug and alcohol abuse are the 2nd most risk factor
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 10-14
- It’s the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 15-34
- A person is 6 times more likely to commit suicide if they have a substance abuse disorder.
- 1 in 3 who die of suicide are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Men have a 40%-60% higher rate of suicide than women
The overall opinion of experts is that suicide is becoming an epidemic in the nation that requires attention.
What Drug is Most Responsible for Suicide?
Any substance can lead to suicidal thoughts if taken improperly or abused. Every drug has side effects and a chance of addiction. The drug that stands out from the rest is opioids. Opioids include prescription drugs, heroin, and crystal meth.
According to addictioncenter.com, in 2015, 33,000 Americans died from suicide due to the abuse of opioids. The number of suicides occurring each year is steadily increasing.
The first cause is sudden life changes. When the unexpected happens, people often have a harder time coping. The feelings of grief in any circumstance can lead to a state of depression.
Second on this list is stigma. Society has placed a stigma on those who fight depression. They are called crazy, wackos, or recluses. Because of this, people long for a way out.
They may even choose a method of coping that involves drugs. The drugs give them a feeling of heroism. They can conquer the world and all of the negative thoughts leave their minds.
How do Opioids Lead to Suicide?
Opioids are in the category of drugs that make you feel like you could do anything. If this is the case, then how could they lead a person to commit suicide? There are several reasons for this.Overdose
– An overdose may not be considered suicide, but in some cases it is. Those in active addiction may come to a point where there is no money, no shelter, and no family available to them. At this point, what is there to live for? The very thought of life without that fix is too much to bear.Inhibition
– For some people, the high is about the feeling of being uninhibited. Nothing hurts, nothing is wrong in their lives, and quite frankly they feel they can do anything when they are high. The way opioids affect the brain make it possible to act in ways you would not otherwise. This can lead to a scenario where a simple dare given in the moment could lead to permanent heartbreak.Highly Addictive
– Opioids are the most addictive drug on the market. They are commonly used to manage chronic pain. Being pain free is enticing which leads to a fear of being without the drug. The fear of life without the drug and being physically in pain can lead to ending one’s life.