Addiction

Chronic use or exposure to substance of abuse causes brain changes including alterations in cortical (pre-frontal cortex) and sub-cortical (limbic system) regions involving the neuro-circuitry of reward, motivation, memory, impulse control and judgment. This can lead to dramatic increases in cravings for a drug or activity, as well as impairments in the ability to successfully regulate this impulse, despite the knowledge and experience of many consequences related to the addictive behavior.

Heavy drinkers or those who use illegal drugs were more likely than others to think about, plan, or commit suicide. People who abuse drugs or have an alcohol addiction are up to 14 times more likely to die by suicide than others.

More than 90% of people who fall victim to suicide suffer from depression, have a substance use disorder (SUD), or both.

Substance abuse and addiction increases the severity and duration of depressive episodes, despite any temporary relief they may provide, actually greatly increasing the likelihood of suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation). This is exacerbated by the fact that addiction frequently damages or destroys familial, professional, personal, and financial relationships, further increasing the risk of suicide. Even worse, many substances severely impact judgment, leading to suicide attempts.