All Great Changes… addiction and suicide

by Kristen Caldwell, LPC Candidate

“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” -Deepak Chopra

It can be difficult to imagine that out of chaos something life changing can emerge. For an individual struggling with addiction this can also seem unfathomable. Addiction can often be complex and is commonly linked to alcohol and drug abuse with good reason, but there are many other types of addictions not always related to substance abuse. Public knowledge on this topic is still maturing due to a lack of understanding on the process involved in forming an addiction.

The formation of an addiction is not necessarily a lack of will power in making a simple choice to stop, nor is it always based on character and an individual’s moral principles. Once addiction has taken hold it becomes what can be described as compulsive and difficult to control. To add drugs or any other substance in the mix can further complicate things. Substance abuse alone weakens an individual’s ability to refrain from acting on impulse. This is because drugs can alter the brain in ways that make quitting difficult, and can also be said of other addictions not related to substance abuse. Although the initial decision to engage in an addiction is often voluntary, repeated episodes can result in brain changes that challenge self-control and can eventually interfere with the individual’s ability to resist intense urges.

Addictions can create a temporary high that eventually pass into tolerance, resulting in an increase in the addictive behavior in order to achieve the same high. The dark side to this over time can manifest in reduced pleasure to enjoy everyday activities, for example social interactions. The long-term effects can also affect decision-making, judgment, learning, memory, behavior, and stress.Living with this reality day after day can be chaotic for the individual suffering from it. After a while, the burden and shame can become overwhelming, sometimes ending in suicide.

Within the United States, suicide has become an increasing problem. Coupled with addiction, this can be deadly. For example, drug and alcohol abuse alone can result in suicide, and is often the cause. (1) Some additional statistics include:

• Higher suicide rates in men (3.5x) who are often abusing drugs to cope with repressed emotions
• Average rates are 117 suicides per day
• Veterans are at a higher risk due to often being prescribed stronger mind altering pharmaceutical drugs
• Suicide is the 10thleading cause of death with drug and alcohol abuse leading in 3rdwithin the United States (1)

The list goes on and on. If you are getting the picture, you are now seeing that suicide can be related to addiction. As suicidal intention increases individuals can display withdrawal and isolation, mood swings (extreme ups and downs), increase in substance abuse or addictive habits, normal routines can change (eating and sleeping), risky behaviors can intensify, and lastly agitation and anxiety can emerge due to personality changes. (2) Whatever the symptoms, each individual will be different. Remember, even though your loved one or friend may be in the chaos of an addiction, suicide is never the answer and should be watched for. Their darkness can be a catalyst propelling them to great change. Whether you are a person facing addiction or know someone who is, this is only a season if we pursue hope.

Should you or a loved one you know be struggling with addiction please call TLCC at 405-246-5433.If you are in need of immediate help for suicidal thoughts and don’t reach a live person, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1(800)273-8255.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”

-Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” –Psalm 18:2 NIV

(1)Addiction and Suicide. http://www.newbeginningsdrugrehab.org/resources/addiction-and-suicide/. September 16, 2017.

(2)Suicide and suicidal thoughts. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/basics/symptoms/CON-20033954. September 16, 2017

Author: Kristen Caldwell, MA, LPC Candidate. Kristen is a Candidate pursuing licensure and a clinical member at Transforming Life Counseling Center