Substance Abuse and Suicidal Behaviour

Abstract

Suicide and substance abuse devastate the family and damage the society socially and economically. This chapter provides certain statistics relating ‘drug abuse’ and ‘suicides’ and analyses the many factors that contribute to the two behaviours. It is significant to note from the research that the various causes that drive a person to drugs invariably also lead the person to commit suicide. Persons indulging in substance abuse may end up in suicidal behaviour due to inability to obtain the required quantity of the drug as well as many related social and emotional problems, or due to ingesting larger doses of the drug or combination of drugs leading to death. Many non-drug users commit suicide also by using prescription drugs. The aetiology of drug abuse and suicidal behaviours show that there are many social, familial and cultural factors that are common to suicide and drug abuse. Persons hooked on to addictive drugs, often relapse after treatment leading to depression ending in suicide. The chapter discusses the importance of support system such as peer group, family and society in building up resilience and capacity in the individual to deal with challenges in life. The de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes and the preventive measures to deter suicidal behaviour and substance abuse, by both national and international agencies have been presented. The problem of drug abuse and suicide being multifaceted and complex the chapter suggests multiple and interdisciplinary approach with continuous follow-ups to ensure greater resilience in the individuals and unstinted support from the family, community and society.