In the wake of some of the most current prescription drug related suicidal deaths, we feel it is important to talk about a subject that is very relative to the moment at hand. Celebrity suicides that are drug related, are very common in the music, and movie industry. Michael Jackson, Robin Williams, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, and most recently, Chris Cornell, are just a few of the more current tragedies to hit the public hard. AION Recovery has come up with a list of 5 common causes for addiction related suicide to keep an eye out for.

Before you go any further, if you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, or you feel concerned that warning signs of suicide are becoming more abundantly clear, stop what you’re doing, and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Know the Facts.

Did you know that individuals battling with substance abuse are six times more likely to commit suicide? In fact, substance abuse is the greatest threat aspect for suicide in America.

Depression is number one risk element, and the rate of major depression amidst those with substance abuse conditions is two to four times higher than the overall populace.

Not to mention, about a third of the people who die from suicide are under the influence of drugs.

Vulnerability and Depression Clash

Why is this calamity so common among those suffering from addiction? What pushes these struggling individuals to end their lives?

Most often, they become confused with one of the following emotions and feel like they’ll never conquer it. They become persuaded that suicide is the only way out. If your loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, watch for these warning signs that often lead to suicide.

• Despondence: During substance abuse and all its repercussions, it’s easy to believe there’s no chance of recovery. Damaged relationships, health problems, job losses, and financial concerns pile up to develop a substantial obstacle that blocks out hope. Faced with these issues, on top of the continuous battle with addiction itself, it is hard to believe their condition is not beyond hope.
• Distress: What begins as sensations of suffering and unhappiness develops until they are under the full weight of depression. Commonly, people use drugs and alcohol to numb agonizing emotions or obstruct memories of past events. This often leads to an unhealthy spiral of evasion, escalated sadness, and deeper depression. Before they know it, they are in a hole of misery they feel they can’t run away from.
• Remorse: Addiction leads to poor preferences. These unhealthy decisions often leave a pile of disappointments in their wake. The emotions of regret and shame are difficult to shake. If relapse happens, this adds further sensations of failure and remorse. With the weight of these feelings hefty on their hearts, those struggling with substance abuse may find it too challenging to confront themselves in the mirror. They don’t feel they deserve to carry on, so they choose to end their lives.
• Defeat: Self-criticism often leads to sensations of defeat. “I can’t do anything right.” “I’m a screw-up.” “My life is all wrong.” Repeated efforts at sobriety can add to these sensations. Persuaded they will never see victory, suicidal thoughts sneak in.
• Lonesomeness: Addiction is confining. Consumed with cravings, withdrawal, and a focus on the next fix, it’s difficult to connect with others. They may feel no one can recognize their pain. They might feel embarrassment about their substance abuse, shame that prevents them from opening up to others. Enclosed in a world of distress, they feel all alone. This ache of lonesomeness can become so serious that suicide feels like the only getaway.

Support You Can Trust.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these obstacles, please know that there is help available. You’re not alone. AION Recovery is ready to help 24/7, no matter what the situation may entail. Treatment for substance abuse can be found here, and help is available through not only the suicide lifeline listed above, but you can also call us toll free anytime at, 888-811-2879. Trained professionals are standing by, ready to point you in the right direction. You are not alone.