By Brian Mwenda
An estimated 703000 people per year take their life around the world. For every suicide there are likely 20 other people attempting suicide and many more having serious thoughts of suicide. Millions of people suffer intense grief or are afflicted by suicidal behavior. Each suicidal death is a serious public health concern having consequences for those around them .by creating greater awareness, eliminating stigma around suicide and inspiring constructive action we can reduce suicides around the world.
World suicide prevention day was established in 2003 by the international Association for Suicide prevention on conjunction with the world health organization. The 10th September each year focuses on attention on the issue .it reduces stigma and enhances awareness among organization, governments and the public with the central message that suicide can be prevented. Addiction to alcohol or drugs increases risk of suicide. People who have drug and alcohol addiction are up to 14 times more likely to die by suicide than others. If you have a loved experience substance use disorder, you should be aware that it is strongly linked to suicide and should get help to prevent it.
The connection between the alcohol and drugs and suicidal thinking and behavior is both causal and conductive. A state of hopelessness is key to disposition to actual suicide and Alcohol and drug gives rise to hopelessness any their toxic effects by influencing neurotransmitters responsible for mood and judgment and by disruption of interpersonal relationship and social support.
A good grasp of the use of alcohol and drug use and dependencies important for the proper assessment of suicide. According to my research, over 50%of all suicide are associated with alcohol and drug dependence and at least 25 %of alcoholic and drug addicts commit suicide over 70%of adolescent suicides maybe complicated due to drug and alcohol use and dependence.
An alcoholic and drug abuse addict should be assessed for suicide in case the intensity of use of alcohol and drug is high .alcohol and other mood disorders are risk factors for suicidal behavior. Alcohol and some drugs bring about a loss of inhibition, enhance impulsive behavior, lead changes in the brain that result in depression over time and can be disruptive to relationship resulting in loss of social connection and alienation. It’s a urge to everyone let’s avoid too much consumption of alcohol and drugs.