The Narrative

One of the deeply linked yet often overlooked intersections within the spheres of mental health and psychology is addictions and suicidality. Discussed on this newsletter before, there is a level of self perpetuation which occurs between substance use and suicidality, as both have been shown to increase the other. We often think of these two in tandem when we talk about opioids and or overdosing as a lethal means, but rarely is it discussed that substance use can perpetuate suicidality and suicidality can perpetuate substance use, enforcing a wide spread of suicidal behaviors that go outside strictly overdosing.

Within health related fields, this relationship is called comorbidity, meaning that one is intertwined with another. And an obstruction of one is an obstruction of the other.

Research psychologists have related this comorbidity of substance use and suicidality to the disinhibition caused by substance use. Disinhibition refers to lowered impulse control, loss of self control and or restraint, and increased levels of risk taking. This moderated disinhibition can be seen prominently in alcohol, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. This is an important distinction to make as the abuse of these substances can greatly lower the barriers which would normally impair action upon suicidal ideations.

The moderating relation between suicidality and increased substance used is defined but less concrete in its operation. By way of increased substance use, an individual may attempt to find a level of escape, finding such avoidance and disassociation in the abuse and misuse of these same substances. research has yet to operationally define this escapism definitively, yet, we know that substance abuse provides a means of ‘numbing’.

The Culmination

The issue now becomes twofold. We behaviorally have this escapism which is brought on by underlying suicidality, promoting substance use which neuropsychologically creates increased levels of disinhibition, which inadvertently increases ones suicidality.

This cycle may go on and on in a longitudinal sense, defining the struggles of ones life for decades, or in the sense of severity, ultimately leading to one attempting or even completing suicide.

Call to Action

Pragmatically, this means; stay sober, stay safe. an individual struggling with one of these is at risk and or struggling with the other. It is important that we as individuals look out for these self destructive patterns within ourselves as well as within those whom we love, as peer support can not only be a bridge to vital resources but in itself the line that allows someone to keep holding on.

Local Initiatives and Involvements

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention 2025 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN MESA COUNTY Register Here!

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): September 18-19, November 6-7 This two-day workshop(16 hours) helps participants learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): September 26, October 17, December 5 This eight (8) hour training teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA): August 29 This Six and half (6.5) hour training for adults who regularly interact with people ages 12-18. It introduces common mental health challenges, typical adolescent development, and plan for how to help in crisis and non-crisis situations

Soul Shop™: October 2 This 90-minute workshop equips faith community leaders and other people of faith to train their congregations to minister to those impacted by suicidal desperation.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call or text 988. The National Suicide Hotline is staffed around the clock with certified members of the American Association of Suicidology. Or the Crisis Text Line, text CO to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.