Substance Abuse and the Risk of Suicidal Ideation

Bipolar Disorder and Suicide

Both bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder can increase the risk of attempted suicide. One study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found that an estimated 80 percent of patients diagnosed with either type of bipolar disorder struggled with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. They listed risk indicators as including:

• Dual diagnosis (e.g., mental health issue and substance abuse disorder together)
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Depression
• Previous attempts at suicide

The prevalence of suicidal behavior in bipolar I and II disorders is similar, but the risk factors for it may differ somewhat between the two.

Substance Abuse and Suicide

Anyone who experiences low lows and attempts to mitigate those feelings with alcohol and drugs is at an increased risk of suicide attempts. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says that substance abuse is one of the top risk factors for suicide. When one is diagnosed with a disorder that indicates a risk for suicidal ideation, then the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions is intensified significantly.

Comprehensive Care

For patients living with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, an intensive and comprehensive treatment plan can help. Trying to focus on substance abuse first and then bipolar disorder – or vice versa – is largely ineffective when it comes to long-term stability in recovery for both disorders. Because people with bipolar disorder are often triggered to drink or get high by their mental health symptoms and their mental health symptoms usually worsen when they abuse drugs or alcohol, the ongoing issues of one untreated disorder make it next to impossible to treat the other disorder effectively.

Rather, a dual diagnosis rehab program that has the resources to provide extensive care for both disorders at the same time is recommended. Families should opt for a treatment program that offers the following:

• Medical detox if necessary
• Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis at the onset of treatment
• A treatment plan personalized to the needs, experience and goals of the individual patient
• Medication monitoring throughout the program
• Psychotherapeutic care that addresses both bipolar disorder and substance abuse issues
• Relapse prevention assistance
• Aftercare support

Check out more on how society currently views mental health illness and how we hope to shift this perspective in the future. Sam Webb shares his thoughts on Recovery Unscripted.

The more intensive and personalized the treatment program, the more likely it is that your loved one will be able to find balance in recovery. Contact our admissions coordinators at the phone number listed above, and we can talk with you about how our programs can help.