The Link Between Drug Use and Suicide
Is your loved one struggling with a substance use disorder? Do they seem to be at risk of suicide? The two issues are often deeply entwined. One study found that men who struggle with substance abuse are 2.3 times more likely to commit suicide compared to men who do not drink or use drugs. Similarly, women who struggle with a substance use disorder are 6.5 times more likely to die by suicide. If you are concerned that your loved one is at risk of suicide, and drug abuse is also an issue, you can take action and intervene. Drug Use and Suicide: The Connection It is exceptionally common for someone living with a mental health disorder like depression to turn to drug and alcohol use as a means of managing the resulting symptoms. When no other coping mechanisms are sought, a drink, a pill, or another drug can feel like the only means of escape from an otherwise overwhelming and debilitating depression. Similarly, use of substances can trigger or worsen co-occurring mental health disorders. In both cases, suicide becomes an increased risk. Stacy Lott, PsyD, CADC, is the Regional Director of Operations for Footprints to Recovery. She says, “People suffering from substance use disorders are likely to have depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which can increase the risk of suicide. “ Unfortunately, after the cessation of all use of drugs and alcohol while in recovery from addiction, suicide can become an even greater specter. “When attempting to stop using drugs, people often feel overwhelmed by the return of painful emotions that they had been medicating with drugs,” says Dr. Lott. Learning how to manage the underlying mental health disorders is ultimately of far greater importance than managing the physical withdrawal symptoms often associated with detox. Once the physiological symptoms fade, the original mental health symptoms that sparked drug use in the first place persist. In many cases, ongoing mental health symptoms may be even more difficult to manage after addiction due to the trauma associated with active addiction and the neurological changes wrought by consistent, high-dose substance abuse. Risk Factors for Addiction and Suicide Risk factors, or behaviors or environmental characteristics that predate active addiction or suicide attempts, play a big part in the likelihood that someone may attempt suicide in combination with drug use. In some cases, problems that someone is facing in life or relationships can be an indicator. For example, Dr. Lott says that substance abusers are also more likely to have social and financial problems. Someone in the midst of a contentious divorce, or who is struggling after a layoff, and using drugs or alcohol to cope may be at high risk of suicide. Some risk factors for addiction include: Risk factors for suicide include: According to Dr. Lott, suicidal tendencies and drug use often go together and share some risk factors. “Substance abuse can be a risk factor for suicide because substance use is common among those prone to impulsivity, and among those who engage in many types of high-risk behaviors that result in self-harm.” Warning Signs of Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction The specific signs of drug use are variable, based heavily on the drug of choice, the dose, and the person’s tolerance level. For example, someone under the influence of marijuana might have red or bloodshot eyes, seem unable to follow the intricacies of a conversation, and may “zone out” easily. Someone under the influence of crystal meth or cocaine may be excessively chatty, have dilated pupils, and/or exhibit paranoia. In general, you may notice some behavioral changes when a loved one begins to abuse drugs. These may include: Should drug use become a regular habit or an addiction develops, you may notice that your love one: Warning Signs of Suicidal Tendencies According to Dr. Lott, there are a number of warning signs of suicide that friends and family members can look for, including: If you believe your loved one is suicidal, do not wait to respond, ignore the problem, or think it will go away on its own. Especially when they occur in the midst of heavy drug use or addiction, signs of suicide may be the only warning you have that your loved one’s life is in danger. An immediate response is recommended. Prevention and Intervention: How to Respond to a Loved One in Crisis Both drug addiction and suicide, separately and on their own, can be deadly. When combined, the risk for early death escalates dramatically. Says Dr. Lott, “Substance abuse not only increases the likelihood that a person will take their own life, but it is also used as a means to die by suicide.” This means that the use of substances may worsen depression and become the tool by which someone takes their own life, such as via a purposeful drug overdose. In other cases, the person may drink or use drugs and then go through with suicide while under the influence. She encourages family members and close friends to take action if they see a loved one in crisis, especially if they are going through something disruptive and do not seem to be managing the problem well. “Transitions, such as entering or leaving treatment, relapse, death, divorce, or other major life changes can be especially vulnerable times,” Dr. Lott says. She urges family and close friends to keep a few things in mind when it comes to approaching someone who may be considering suicide while also dealing with a substance use disorder. Above all, take your loved one seriously if they are talking about suicide, and do not give up trying to help them get better. Connecting them with specialists who can help them follow a personalized treatment path to recovery is an essential piece of the puzzle. Without assistance, it is unlikely that your loved one will seek help on their own.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & the Value of Operating From a Trauma Response Perspective
National PTSD Awareness Day is a day dedicated to creating awareness regarding PTSD. It is acknowledged annually on the 27th of June. The US Senate officially designated this day in 2010. In 2014 the Senate designated the whole month of June as PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD is a disorder that will affect about 7-8 out of 100 people in their lifetime, the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) reports. PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event – either experiencing or witnessing it. The most common types of events leading to the development of PTSD include combat exposure, childhood physical abuse, sexual violence, physical assault, being threatened with a weapon or an accident. It\’s not uncommon for individuals who experience traumatic events to have a difficult time adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they typically will get better. Common PTSD symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety – as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. If an individual experiences an increase in symptom severity or length or symptoms interfere with daily functioning, it\’s likely they may have PTSD. Furthermore, Post-traumatic stress disorder can have a profound impact on an individuals life including job, relationships, health and enjoyment of everyday activities. Research has found that PTSD may also increase an individuals risk of other mental health disorders such as: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts or actions. In fact in a recent study, it was found that almost half of the individuals seeking substance abuse treatment also meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Getting effective treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorder and PTSD can be critical to reducing symptoms and improving overall functionality. An element of importance is providing an environment of trauma-informed or trauma responsive care. At Footprints to Recovery our programming, environment, language, and staff was and continues to be built to better care for patients who have experienced trauma. Below, Footprints to Recovery’s Clinical Director Frank Loriggio explains best practices for responding effectively to individuals who have experienced trauma. Treat the resulting emotions, not the event. A common mistake in treating trauma is a sole focus on the traumatic event. Two individuals can go through the same type of traumatic experience yet have different reactions to the experience. This speaks to the meaning that an individual gives to the traumatic event. Take some of the common reactions to traumatic events: “What’s wrong with me?”; “Why can’t I just get over it?”; “I’m damaged”; “It’s all my fault.”; “I’m no good.” Each question invokes some type of maladaptive meaning to the experience related to worthiness, responsibility, safety, and control. Focusing solely on the event can trigger the individual and lead to re-traumatization and emotional dysregulation, which only further drives feelings of shame. Helping the individual process the shame from these experiences is what begins the healing process and creates more adaptive or functional meanings: “I can do this”; “It’s not my fault”; “I am safe now”; “ I am enough.” Start with safety and end with safety. Healing from a traumatic event doesn’t take place until an individual connects with safety on several levels. They need to have an internal compass of safety, which means they need to feel confident that whatever “comes up” is manageable and that they can contain it when they need to. The fear that once they “open their trauma” they won’t be able to “close it” is a common concern. Clients need to have trust in the therapist, the group, the program, the external environment that these factors will help them manage their trauma symptoms and support them in seeking safety. Providing conditions, guidelines, validation, and attunement throughout the whole process is important. A patient will feel more confident in working on their trauma if they know that immediately after the session as well as that evening or days later that they can safely contain or ground themselves. Ending sessions with containment imagery, somatic engagement, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing strategies, and even yoga poses can provide this sense of safety and reach patients ways they can accomplish this for themselves. Create and support emotional reparative experiences. Part of the healing process is to help patients experience their trauma from a stance of safety, empowerment, and value. This can simply be an individual telling their story and receiving validation and empathy from others. It can also be someone who has been physically and emotionally beaten down who is able to assert themselves and set clear boundaries. You are always in your audience and you can be your biggest fan or greatest critic. Watching yourself overcome or do something you once weren’t able to do fosters growth. Perspective and language matters. The most common question I am asked is “how do I get over it.” This is a flawed question and stifles growth from the get-go. The problem is that trauma is not a wall to climb over or an object to jump over. Trauma is a typical response to an abnormal experience with the sole focus on surviving. If the individual is in my office they have survived the experience or experiences. Helping the patient to shift their perspective and also ask themselves better questions are important components of treatment. First, they need to develop awareness around their own resilience. “I survived.” This can be a powerful affirmation that can help an individual move out of the identity of a victim and into the identity of a survivor. Next is asking yourself “how do I get on WITH it?” This question encourages acceptance with a focus on the future. It fosters post-traumatic growth, a transformation where you reclaim what you have been through and channel it as fuel for growth. The language that you use with your patients can either perpetuate victimization or encourage healing and growth. It is the ability to tell your story through a different lens. “The issues are in your tissues.” I
10 Mental Health Tips That Will Stick With You
A person’s general mental health affects all other areas of their lives. When neglected, it can lead to a series of problems, like stress, burnout, and even mental disorders. Stress can also cause physical symptoms, from headaches to even hives and ulcers. Though some issues are temporary, many of them can cause long-term and even permanent damage. In addition to that, poor mental health can lead to bad decisions, often due to symptoms triggered. These decisions may include self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, as many people take out their emotions on substances. This can eventually develop into addiction, starting a toxic cycle between addiction and mental disorders. There are many measures that can be taken in order to avoid said issues. Taking care of your mental health should primarily be about your health in general. 1. Therapy, Counseling, And/or Psychotherapy There is no better way to take care of your mental health than to go to therapy in an individual setting. Unlike what many may think, therapy should not be sought only once symptoms of mental disorders start. In fact, through therapy, professionals can diagnose mental illnesses in the early stages, addressing it before it becomes acute. Likewise, counseling can be important both for one’s mental health as well as their life plans. It is an effective way to work on mental health while working towards goals and objectives. A licensed professional can give patients advice as they progress and help them adapt their life strategies if needed. For some, psychotherapy might be the best go-to options. While it is not needed, it can be beneficial for those with serious mental illness symptoms. In psychotherapy, patients go to therapy sessions and are prescribed medications when needed. It is completely safe as long as the doctor’s instructions regarding consumption are followed. 2. Disconnect For A While Stepping away from the computer or putting your phone away can improve your mental health. In a fast-paced, connected world, we tend to not realize how technology and social media can overwhelm us. We are constantly stimulated and bombarded with information that can affect our views, our anxieties, and our insecurities. This does not mean throwing your phone away or deleting all your social media profiles. Nowadays, a lot of people need to connect to work and to keep in contact with loved ones. Disconnecting means taking some time off in a way that won’t affect your routine negatively. That could mean taking a day off once a week or maybe cutting down your daily time spent online. You can also do small things that will make a big difference in the long run – turn off notifications, turn on “do not disturb,” and/or turn on night shift for your screen. Anything that you can do will help you become less stimulated, and consequently, less stressed and anxious. 3. Work On Improving Your Eating And Sleeping Habits Your entire body is directly affected by your sleeping cycle and your eating habits. They are both important to nourish and replenish the body of the energy needed for all daily, routine activities. Without that, the body’s immune system will be compromised. This can also cause much harm to the nervous system, making it difficult for it to function properly. Our bodies need a certain amount of daylight hours to function properly and to trigger certain processes. As we sleep, our nervous system goes through processes related to memory, cognitive function, concentration, coordination, and more. Additionally, erratic sleep cycles can trigger mood swings, irritability, and even mood-related issues on those with mental disorders. It is recommended that people get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day. As for eating habits, we as human beings need a healthy intake of every food group available. Not eating properly might result in insufficient nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and other substances needed to trigger certain processes. Dieting is not just about weight; it is about general health and longevity. 4. Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness is defined as being aware of one’s self and surroundings, not being overwhelmed by thoughts and events happening. It is meant to help a person be present and not obsess or focus on what can make some anxious. That includes worrying about the future, dwelling too much on past events, and anything that is not the present. This can be done through a number of activities and daily actions. Meditating and breathing exercises are a popular, easy option that can be done in many ways. Anyone can pick the exercise or technique they are most comfortable with. 5. Rethink Your Social Habits And Circles The people we surround ourselves with can be influences in how we perceive and experience the world. Unfortunately, as we start to change our habits and lifestyles, some people might not fit in our lives anymore. If you want to have a more positive outlook, you need to be with people who support that and who understand it. They don’t have to have the same habits as you, but they need to respect it. You can try to attend and participate in group meetings and activities you like to meet new people. Besides that, support groups are also a great opportunity to meet people going through the same things as you. 6. Volunteer For Something You Love Volunteering has multiple pros, both for yourself and your community. It is a way to help bring positive change while also getting to know like-minded people. Helping others while connecting with others can improve self-esteem, social skills, and general mood. Having ties in your community is a way to feel like you truly belong, and like you have a purpose. Some people offer services they are familiar with and are already good at. But you could try to do something new, and take the opportunity to learn a new skill! 7. Keep A Journal Or A Mood Journal Journaling is a tool for people to better understand themselves and to vent about their feelings. By writing down
5 Habits that Make Millennials Stressed Out and Less Productive
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America seven out of ten adults in the United States say they experience stress or anxiety daily. To many of us, these stats don’t come as a shock … Americans are stressed! Our days are filled with constant notifications, choice overload, and external pressures brought on by the comparison of our peers. New reports by The American Psychological Association found that no generation feels these effects more than millennials. So, what is it that leads this generation to higher levels of stress? 1. Your Phone What is the longest you have gone with out checking your phone? Unless you are sleeping, are not allowed access, or are suffering from your 89th broken iphone screen – It is safe to assume your answer to this question was not that long. Just about everyone is glued to their phone these days. There was even a new language formed based on phones – Emojis! Our phones beep, flash, vibrate, sing, dance – anything to grab our attention. We are constantly waiting for the next notification. We have formed relationships with our phones; as they are often the first thing we grab in the morning and the last thing we see at night. There is no doubt technology has improved our lives; however, constantly being logged in does have its downsides. It has made us seriously anxious, less productive and endlessly distracted – even if we hate to admit it. The next time you reach for your phone first thing in the morning, panic when you realize you have 3% battery, or feel the urge to scroll through your Facebook feed – Take a moment to ask yourself, what am I so attached to? Instead spend time reflecting on what you hope to accomplish for the day, be present with those who are around you or spend some time outside. 2. Netflix & Chill How many hours a week do you typically spend watching TV? Snuggling up on the couch and watching five episodes of Stranger Things, you may think this ultimate way to unwind – research disproves this trend. Studies have shown that people often times felt more depressed and anxious after watching just two hours of television than those who did not. While resting may reduce anxiety and stress in the short term, if done in overload it can actually influence isolation, reduce productivity, and increase low self-esteem. That being said, the next time you see the words ‘Are you still watching…?’ pop up on your screen – resist the urge to continue. Spend time actually talking with your significant other, exercise, build something, or read a book. 3. Poor Sleeping Habits Gone are the days of going to bed at a set time, eight hours of rest per night, and getting out of bed with out hitting the snooze button 5 times. Perhaps one of the most common contributors to anxiety and worry is poor sleep. It has been shown that a lack of sleep may contribute to the ramping up of the area of the brain that contributes to excessive worry. Excessive worry leads to higher levels of stress and often times less productivity. So what can you do to form healthier sleep habits? The number one thing you can do is to establish a nighttime routine, free from technology. By creating a nightly rhythm sans the stimulating activities, your body will take cues that it’s time to calm down and go to sleep. It’s also helpful to keep a journal next to your bed to write down thoughts that might be keeping you awake. 4. Skipping Meals We’ve all heard it before … Food is Fuel for your body. When you skip lunch or look back at your bank statement to notice Mcdonalds was your go to dinner all week – you’re not doing yourself any favors. Your body works like a machine, when it notices a lack of nutrients it releases adrenaline and other hormones to give you the energy you need to keep moving. This may lead to anxiety like sensations such as dizziness, shakiness, confusion, and grogginess. Food is a biological need; therefore, it is no surprise anxiety naturally follows hunger. To regulate your metabolism, insulin levels, and mental stability it’s best to eat meals regularly. We easily cave to convenience over health with our on the go, financially stressed and busy lifestyles – to combat this plan your meals and keep granola bars and nuts handy. It has also been said that cooking is therapeutic; making meals can help to reduce stress, increase creativity, and promote relaxation. So the next time you’re feeling stressed, perhaps it is time to go in the kitchen and start sautéing your way to peace and happiness. 5. Drinking Coffee How do millennials take their coffee? Seriously. Very seriously. After checking our phones in the morning, more often than not we grab our coffee. Coffee brings a sense of alertness, energy and comfort to our mornings, mid afternoons, mid-mid afternoons, late afternoons and sometimes even our evenings. The sad truth is our obsession with coffee is not so sweet after all … it can cause irritability, nervousness, and heightened anxiety. Too much coffee can also lead to dehydration, which is a biological anxiety trigger. While many of us may think that our coffee obsession is helping our productivity, it in fact may not be as helpful as we think. This is not to say you have to rid yourself of Carmel Macchiato’s, Starbucks new Coconut Cold Brew, or good old fashioned cups of black – like many things in life it’s about moderation. Take a look at your intake and ask yourself, could I cut back? Try switching to just one – two cups a day, if you feel calmer or to your surprise more productive perhaps commit to even less. Despite our strengths, chronic stress and anxiety are not sustainable. If you are suffering from the day to day annoyance, pain,
