Last Updated:
February 24th, 2025
Addiction and Suicide | Signs and Options You Have
Understanding suicidal behaviour is crucial, as it can often be difficult to differentiate between actions that may signal suicidal intent and those that don’t. Recognising these behaviours early can help prevent tragedy and provide the necessary support to those at risk.
While some behaviours are clear indicators of distress, others may be more subtle, making it essential to know what to look for:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live.
- Searching for methods to end one’s life, such as looking up ways to commit suicide or acquiring lethal means.
- Giving away prized possessions or making arrangements for after death (e.g., writing a will).
- Withdrawing from friends, family and social activities.
- Displaying extreme mood swings, particularly a sudden calmness after being depressed.
- Engaging in reckless or risky activities, seemingly without regard for safety.
- Self-harming with a clear intent to die rather than as a coping mechanism.
Is addiction linked with suicide?
Any addiction has the potential to be linked with suicide, especially as it disrupts every aspect of a person’s life, physically, emotionally and mentally. However, there are two types of addictions that are consistently connected with suicide, making it crucial to understand the heightened risk they pose.