Suicides in Treatment and Aftercare

Man on couch in mental health treatment'

Suicide is a significant health and social problem and those with any form of addiction are most at risk. Numerous studies have highlighted the link between addiction and suicide.

It is well known that alcohol, and many other addictive substances, are depressants and therefore addiction can lead to depression which in turn can lead to suicidal thoughts. However, suicide is preventable, and with the right treatment and support, it is possible to help people recover from addiction.

Recovering from Addiction

When a recovering addict successfully completes an addiction recovery programme and leaves the rehabilitation centre, they have a number of challenges ahead. Completing the programme is no guarantee that they will adopt the principles of sober living.

There is a growing awareness surrounding the increased suicide risk for ex-rehab patients in the immediate period post-discharge. Studies have discovered the suicide rate is highest within the first three months after leaving rehab. For this reason, the majority of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres provide their own aftercare services to reduce the risk of suicide and self-harm. These often consist of weekly meetings chaired by counsellors or volunteers.

Improvements to Aftercare Services

Unfortunately, one aftercare meeting per week is not enough. We need a greater emphasis on continuity of care, particularly for males who slip through the net. Far too often, vulnerable patients are left to fend for themselves after being discharged from the structured and safe confines of a rehab centre.

The risk of suicide in recovery is greater for men than women because men often have fewer support networks. However, there have been cases of male and female patients who were discharged from drug or alcohol rehabilitation centres only to end up homeless on the streets.

Daily counselling is needed for all those in addiction recovery, at least for the first three months. This will allow them time to develop new coping strategies to manage daily stresses while sober and will reduce the risk of suicide in aftercare.

Improvements to aftercare require significant investment from governments, and a genuine commitment to adopt a comprehensive mental health policy that adequately addresses mental health issues including suicide and addiction. Only then will we have good quality mental health services that safeguard the wellbeing of all in society.