How to Save a Life: Substance Abuse a suicide risk factor

Pike County has a suicide rate of 11.7 per every 100,000 persons. According to Dustin Holbrook, team leader/outpatient counselor at Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center (SPVMHC), the high suicide rate is largely attributed to substance abuse in the county.

"Elderly males between the ages of 75-84 seem to be at the highest risk for suicide. I would say that the trend seems to have moved toward middle aged males during the past two years," said Holbrook. "I believe the high rate of substance use has a lot to do with this trend. It is important to emphasize the relationship between substance abuse and suicide."

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), suicide results in over 32,000 deaths in the U.S. alone.

"That's the equivalent of a death by suicide every 16 minutes. In addition to the tragedy of lives lost, suicide costs the nation about $12 billion in lost income, and a growing body of evidence suggests that alcohol and drug abuse are second only to depression and other mood disorders when it comes to risk factors for suicide," according to SAMHSA. "In one study, for example, alcohol and drug abuse disorders were associated with a six-fold increase in the risk of suicide attempts."

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation states that Pike County's suicide rate is higher than the national average, ranking 40 out of 88 Ohio counties. In Pike County and abroad, Holbrook says substance abuse and mental disorders go hand-in-hand.

"If someone has experienced a recent loss, such as a job, divorce, losing a family member, that would put them at an increased risk," said Holbrook. "Do not allow someone who is experiencing depression and/or a significant loss to isolate themselves from family and friends. Chronic substance use is also an increased risk, especially if the person has been trying to stop using unsuccessfully. The inability to stop using can be demoralizing."

Holbrook emphasizes the need for family support.

"If a family member is having difficulty with depression, do not shame them," said Holbrook. "Be understanding and encourage them to get help. Do not promise confidentiality. If you suspect a family member is in danger, call for help and have them evaluated."

If you or a loved one is experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, contact the 24-hour Pike County Crisis Line by calling (740) 947-2147.

Note: This is the second of a series of stories about suicide, risk factors, causes, and suicide prevention.