Teen suicide has always been an issue because, frankly, one death by suicide is too many. But it has become a major concern in recent years because suicide deaths have been increasing at alarming rates.
The latest Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that nearly 45 thousand young adults between the ages of 10 and 19 died by suicide in the year 2016 alone.
Drug abuse in the teenage population is also on the rise, especially with vaping. This is especially concerning because there is a strong correlation between suicide and substance abuse.
Does drug abuse increase suicide rates?
As with most medical correlations, we’re left to wonder which condition comes first: Depression or drug abuse. Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. Depression can lead to drug abuse, and it’s also a symptom of drug addiction and withdrawal. So, in truth, either scenario can be true. And even if depression leads to drug abuse, the drug abuse will almost inevitably worsen the condition.
Drug abuse as self-medication
Many people start using drugs as a way to address a problem in their lives. They may have suffered physical or emotional trauma in the past, or they may be using drugs to mask physical symptoms. It seems like an easy fix at the time because drugs provide an instant high that seems to relieve emotional and physical pain. But the users are lulled into a false sense of security. Anyone who abuses drugs continually will find that the bottom will eventually drop out, and they’ll be left with depression or worse.
How drug abuse worsens depression
Someone may have begun abusing drugs as a way of self-medicating their problems, but they’ll soon find that drugs are never the answer.
It starts becoming a problem as the teen’s tolerance quickly increases. They need higher and higher doses to produce the same effect. The brain becomes so reliant on the drug that it stops producing natural chemicals that are associated with happiness. Before long, the teen can’t seem to find any happiness without the drug. And the “happiness” they get from the drug is dwindling as their tolerance increases. But at this point, the teen is likely already addicted.
They’re left in a dark place without hope for happiness. Their brain is begging for the very thing that is destroying their life. And it’s easy to see how an addicted teen may feel like suicide is the only way out.
A 2015 Materia Socio Medica study found that there’s a statistically significant difference the personality structure of opioid addicts, and this may impact their likelihood of suicide.
How to handle suicidal thoughts
If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, do not delay. Reach out to someone immediately. If you are also addicted to any sort of drug or alcohol, addition is tricking you into thinking there’s no way out. There’s a way, but it involves immediate action. Find a treatment center in your area, so you can recover in a safe space. It won’t be an easy road, but it is a worthwhile journey.
If you are worried about how you’re going to pay for treatment, know that you still have options. If you’re a student, go to your school’s student resource center to find out what’s available to you. Otherwise, call a suicide hotline to talk about what’s going on. For longer-term treatment, look for state-funded options. You aren’t alone. There are people out there who are ready and willing to help you find your way out.
