You may know that suicide is related to depression and that depression often coexists with alcohol and drug abuse, but did you know that suicide risk is related to substance abuse? According to the Stepping Stone Center for Recovery, substance abuse is a common element among those who commit suicide.
To raise awareness of the correlation between substance abuse and suicide risk, the Stepping Stone Center explains the relationship in a clear, easy-to-read infograph called Substance Abuse and Suicide Risk. According to the infograph, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S and substance abuse is the second most frequent risk factor for suicide, after depression.
Below are a few more substance abuse and suicide risk statistics by the numbers:
- 90: Percentage of suicides that involve people with a mental disorder, substance abuse problem, or both.
- 20: Percentage of suicides that involve people with alcohol abuse problems.
- 6x: Amount that substance abuse increases one’s risk for suicide.
- 33: Percentage of people who committed suicide and tested positive for alcohol
For more statistics, view the infograph at Steppingstonecenter.org. You can also learn more about substance abuse and suicide risk and how to get help by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is displaying suicidal behavior, talk to someone you trust or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.