Get Addiction Help (888) 804-0917

The Veil of Suicide

There is a darkness that permeates many addicts long before they smoke their first joint, snort their first line, drink their first drink, or even swallow their first pill. For many of us this darkness has gestated in us, growing slowly while being abused by a parent, neglected by another, sexually molested by an aunt, uncle or neighbor, or for many there was another catastrophic event that eventual removed or even tore away the innocent veil of our childhood. The pain we experienced often manifests itself in depression, we withdraw from social activity, and placing ourselves in situation where we could get emotional hurt. Eventually unable to cope with these brooding feelings, an even darker shadow develops, leaving us with thoughts of suicide. At this point, or sometime shortly after, most will use their first drug to hide or even mask the pain.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, 8 in every 100,000 teenagers commit suicide, and for each of these successful suicides there are at least 10 suicide attempts. Both teen girls and boys are at risk for suicide. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide, and boys are 4-5 times more likely to commit suicide. Guns play a role in more than half these suicides.

What Factors Increase the Risks?

  • Depression or feelings of loneliness or helplessness
  • Alcohol or drug addiction
  • A family history of abuse, suicide, or violence
  • Previous suicide attempts; almost half of teens who commit suicide had attempted suicide previously.
  • A recent loss such as a death, break-up, or parents’ divorce Illness or disability
  • Stress over school, relationships, performance expectations, etc.
  • Fear of ridicule for getting help for problems
  • Being bullied or being a bully
  • Exposure to other teens committing suicide, such as at school or in the media
  • Access to firearms or other lethal objects
  • A belief that suicide is noble

Where to Get Help.

While in the throes of addiction it is nearly impossible to perceive getting sober, as it is seems much larger than you. Remember though, there is help. Suicide is a permanent fix to a temporary problem. If you need help right away, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1.800.273.TALK, or 1.888.292.4049.

BIO

Recovery Rob is a 47-year-old man who has more than nineteen years of sobriety, whose drugs of choice at one time were alcohol and drugs, and he has worked in and around the field of addiction for more than 20 years. Recovery Rob is a professional writer who has published two novels and is currently working on his third. He has been writing and working as Pat Moore Foundation’s premiere blogger and content writer, which helps keeps Pat Moore Foundation’s addiction and recovery blog top-rated

Post new comment



The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.



  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

More information about formatting options




Image CAPTCHA


Enter the characters shown in the image.