Alcohol And Suicide

It might be difficult to determine whether someone is contemplating suicide. Among the warning indications that someone is considering suicide are the following:

• Discusses the desire to die or obvious suicidal tendencies
• Considers ways to commit suicide, like purchasing a firearm or visiting websites with suicide instructions.
• Discusses feeling as though there is no hope or purpose to live.
• Discusses their suffering in agonizing pain that they cannot bear.
• Saying they are a drag on the community
• Consumes more alcohol or illicit drugs than usual
• Behaves irresponsibly, anxiously, or agitatedly
• Has sleep problems
• Pulls back from the company of others
• Shows anger or discusses seeking revenge
• Has changes in mood

If you suspect that a loved one is contemplating suicide, you must seek immediate assistance.

The manner in which you communicate with someone who is suicidal might also be crucial. If you are thinking about how to assist an alcoholic who is suicidal, consider the following:

• Ask them directly whether they are considering suicide.
• Listen without judgment, arguing, or displaying surprise
• Demonstrate support for the individual and that you are willing to help them.
• Do not guarantee the confidentiality of your chat.
• Keep away the means of suicide, like rope, firearms, and car keys, from the individual.

Whether you are seeking treatment for yourself or are worried about a loved one, remember that there are multiple techniques to avoid suicide and end alcohol consumption. In many cases, people who have struggled with both mental health issues and substance abuse have benefited greatly from receiving treatment for both conditions simultaneously.

Based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), particular programs that give assistance and training in life skills have been demonstrated to protect individuals from both substance abuse and suicide. Identification and treatment of alcoholism are essential elements of suicide prevention. Failure to recognize particular alcohol-related problems can increase morbidity and death among individuals at risk for suicide.

Behavioral methods for alcoholism treatment should also include specialized therapy features, such as social skills education and training, goal setting and action planning, and relapse prevention education. Among the evidence-based treatments for alcoholism are:

Brief Interventions: These are short, time-limited strategies in which a counselor provides tailored feedback on your drinking patterns and dangers and assists you in identifying treatment goals in order to develop a plan to stop drinking.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy can be administered alone or in small groups. It tries to assist individuals in recognizing maladaptive or irrational feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that may contribute to problematic drinking practices. The objective is to help people build healthier ideas and coping abilities so they can reduce their drinking behavior or avoid future relapses.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy: This is a short-term therapy designed to boost a person’s motivation to quit drinking. People actually work with a therapist to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of seeking treatment, gain confidence, establish a treatment plan for quitting drinking, and acquire the necessary skills for long-term abstinence.

Marital and Family Counseling: As spouses, friends, and family members are also affected by an alcoholic, it is essential to include them in the therapy program. Counseling for couples and families tries to enhance and heal relationships. It has also been shown to aid with the maintenance of abstinence.