The Connection between Alcohol  and Suicide

Suicide occurs when a person ends his or her own life. It is the ninth leading cause of death among Americans.
Intentional self-harm resulted in 44,193 deaths in 2015 according to the CDC statistics. Suicide is found in every age, racial and ethnic group. There are a number of factors that increase the likelihood a person will take his or her own life; one of these is misuse or abuse of substances such as alcohol or drugs.
Poisoning is one of the leading methods in suicide deaths, and drugs or alcohol make up 75 percent of the deaths due to poisoning. In suicides resulting from more than one substance, about one-third occur due to a combination of alcohol and prescription drugs. Almost another third are due to a combination of over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs.

Alcohol and drug abuse are second only to depression and other mood disorders as the most frequent risk factor for suicidal behavior. Alcohol and some drugs can result in loss of inhibition, may increase impulsive behavior, can lead to changes in the brain that result in depression over time and can be disruptive to relationships resulting in alienation and a loss of social connection – another risk factor.

In addition, excessive acute drug or alcohol ingestion could result in death (CDC).

There is help for all. The NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services operates a 24 hour HopeLine offering help and hope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for alcoholism, drug abuse and problem gambling. All calls are toll-free, anonymous and confidential. 1-877-8-HOPENY

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The number is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

By martha

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