Yes, alcohol rehab deals with suicidal tendencies. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that at least 50,000 people killed themselves on purpose in 2022.
Alcohol is involved in about 22% of these deaths, which is very scary. A bad environment can make a person more likely to make suicide plans or thoughts. I even thought about suicide when I was at the worst point of my addiction. But rehab was the thing that helped me get a normal life and I am here because of my proper treatment.
Alcoholism is a risk factor for suicide. Dealing with alcohol and suicide and getting help to save lives is essential.
The Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Suicide
This alcohol abuse, the big problem, causes suicides, too! It hurts physically, mentally, and socially. Suicide is one of the worst things that can happen with alcohol abuse. Alcohol can worsen depression and anxiety, which increases suicide risk.
Problems With Alcohol Use = Risk Of Suicide
According to the WHO, many people take the risk of their lives just to abuse alcohol. Even I myself am no different than that! People dependent on or addicted to booze are six times more likely to kill themselves than the rest. Alcohol and suicide are sometimes related to one another.
Drinking Impairs Judgment
Another way that drinking too much alcohol can lead to suicide is by making it hard to make good decisions. Alcohol affects the brain’s frontal lobe, which is responsible for planning, thinking, and controlling your impulses. This makes one less afraid of dying and more tolerant of pain, making suicide seem less scary and more possible.
Alcohol Makes Mental Condition Worse
When I used to drink too much I also had mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sadness, or anxiety. Even without alcohol abuse, these conditions can raise the risk of suicide, but when mixed with alcohol abuse, they can become even worse and harder to treat.
Detox Makes People Sad
When alcoholics suddenly quit drinking, they can have several physical and mental problems, such as nausea, tremors, seizures, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. If you don’t take care of these signs properly, they can be unpleasant and upsetting. I faced a number of issues while detoxing and these were a bit challenging.
Two Diagnoses Mean More People Commit Suicide
When a person has both an alcohol use problem and a mental illness, they are said to have a dual diagnosis. This is a common and complicated problem that needs professional care. People with two diagnoses are more likely to kill themselves than those with just one.
They may have worse symptoms, relapse more often, face more shame and discrimination, and have less access to good care.
Please don’t wait to get help if you or someone you care about is drinking too much and having suicidal ideas. It’s not embarrassing to say you need help. You are not the only one going through this. You should be able to live a happy, whole life without alcohol and suicidal thoughts.
How Alcohol Rehab Can Help Prevent Suicide
People who abuse alcohol may feel sad, anxious, helpless, and even think about killing themselves. About 30% of all deaths in the US are linked to alcohol.
Some of the best ways to treat suicidal tendencies in alcohol rehab:
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) Changes Negative Thoughts
This is psychotherapy, first of all. CBT helps people figure out and change their evil thoughts and beliefs. This unique therapy helps people learn how to deal with problems and feel better about themselves. And it makes one more motivated to stay sober and live a worthwhile life.
Dialectical-behavior Therapy (DBT) Teaches Emotion Regulation
This type of psychotherapy helps people learn how to control their feelings, deal with stress, and talk to others. DBT can help people be less impulsive, less angry, and less likely to hurt themselves and improve their relationships and social support. This can reduce suicide by alcohol. I had this one too and effectively dealt with your mental as well psychological issues.
Motivational Interviewing Fosters Positive Changes
It is a type of counseling that helps people overcome their reluctance to change or ambivalence about making a change. MI can help people figure out why they want to stop drinking, gain more confidence in their ability to change, and set goals for recovery that are realistic and doable.
Group Therapy Provides Support
This is a way for people going through similar problems to share their thoughts, feelings, and problems with others going through the same things. Group therapy can help people feel less alone, learn from each other’s ideas and plans, and get feedback and support from their peers and those leading the group.
Medication Treats Co-occurring Disorders
Medication can be essential to alcohol rehab, especially for people with other illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. It can help stabilize the person’s mood, reduce cravings, and stop withdrawal symptoms that can lead to relapse or suicide attempts.
Mindfulness Reduces Anxiety
Mindfulness is practicing paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and acceptance. It helps you deal with stress, anxiety, and other bad feelings that lead you to drink this much and eventually makes your life happier.
This concept of mindfulness will help you become self-aware, compassionate, and thankful too! All these things combined will distance you from alcohol and suicide.
Art Therapy For Emotional Expression
Art therapy is a way to share feelings and thoughts in a creative way, such as through painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage. It helps you let go of your feelings, figure out what’s going on in your mind, and learn about new parts of yourself. This also decreases suicide by alcohol.
Adventure Therapy Boosts Mood
Adventure therapy is a type of experiential treatment in which people do things like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or zip-lining outside. Happiness, Sense of self-worth, and Physical health are the aspects that can be improved in your health through adventure therapy. This can decrease fears and push you to have fun with adventure.
People addicted to alcohol and thinking about killing themselves can save their lives by going to alcohol rehab. I personally suggesst everybody that they should be cared for for alcohol and suicidal behavior with proper guidelines.
Resources for people struggling with alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts
It’s essential to seek treatment for both alcohol addiction and suicidal ideation. Many resources are available for people who need support and guidance in their recovery journey. Call the suicide prevention hotline if you are feeling lonely.
Here are some of them:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): This underwent a transformation, recasting its 10-digit number as 988.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
These resources can help you find hope and healing from alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts. If you need to, call the suicide prevention hotline anytime!
How to help a suicidal alcoholic friend?
You never know when your friend is feeling suicidal or helpless. These people can’t express themselves to anyone. You may have felt the changes in your friend and may feel scared. In this situation, you might not know what to do or how to help them.
Here are some ways to help a drunk friend who is suicidal:
Don’t Judge What They Have To Say
People who are suicidal sometimes just need someone to listen to them and agree with how they feel. Don’t try to fight with them, make their problems seem less important, or give them quick answers. Just listen and try to understand.
That was the thing I really needed when I was at my worst point of addiction. Don’t advise regarding alcohol and suicide. Don’t advise regarding alcohol and suicide.
Urge Them To Get Help From A Professional
Suicidal thoughts and alcoholism are significant mental health problems that need help from trained professionals. You can help your friend by looking up local resources like alcohol rehab centers, therapists, or crisis hotlines and offering to go with them or make an appointment for them.
Follow Up And Stay In Touch
Don’t think your friend is fine just because you talked to them or they went to a doctor. Keep in touch with them and show them that you care and are there for them. You can also tell them about their skills and accomplishments and why they should keep living.
Look After Yourself
Helping a drunk friend who is suicidal can be hard on your emotions and stressful. You should also take care of your own physical and mental health. If you feel overwhelmed or burned out, ask for help from friends, family, or experts to detach from alcohol and suicidal behavior.
My Experience
Let me tell you a story from my own life to show how these tips work.
A friend of mine used to drink too much for many years. He was sad and talked about killing himself a lot. I worried about him a lot and didn’t know what to do to help him.
One day, I just wanted to hear what he had to say, so I called him. He told me how hard things were for him and how he felt lost. I didn’t try to fix him or judge him. I told him I knew what he was going through and that I was there for him.
He told me he felt a little better and thanked me for listening. Then I told him he should get help from a professional and offered to go with him to an alcohol rehab center. He said yes, so we set up a time to meet. He started caring, and his mental and physical health improved. I kept in touch with him and praised his growth while he was getting better.
He told me that my help meant a lot to him and that he was glad we were friends. I learned how to deal with things and not let them bother me. This is just one way to help a drunk friend who wants to kill himself.
Every case is different, but the most important thing is to be kind, cheerful, and helpful. Alcohol and suicidal behavior are related to one another. This should be taken care of in the proper ways.
People Also Ask
Has the Suicide Hotline number changed?
Yes, recently, the Suicide Hotline number was changed to 988. Previously, it was a 10-digit number, which was also hard to remember. Another thing is the whole system was renamed to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at the same time.
In conclusion, alcohol rehab can be a lifesaving combination for people who struggle with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you or someone you love suffers from alcohol addiction and suicidal ideation, please do not hesitate to seek help. Remember, you are not alone and deserve to be happy and healthy. Know if you can take FMLA leave for alcohol rehab.
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