Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder (SUD), formerly known as drug addiction, is characterized by the inability to self-regulate substance use. Substances that can be responsible for SUD include caffeine, alcohol, stimulants, and opioids. Of these substances, alcohol is the most common cause of SUD due to its legality, and opioids are the most fatal given the high mortality rate of opioid overdoses.
Many substances that can cause substance use disorder work by forcing the release of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical. The feeling granted by releasing dopamine only lasts a short while, which incentivizes the frequent use of the feel-good substance. This results in a cycle of taking substances to chase the dopamine releases, and then taking more to avoid the discomfort of the comedown. People caught in this cycle will often begin deprioritizing their health, relationships, and finances to get more of the substance they’re addicted to.
Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation, often referred to as suicidal thoughts, are recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. These thoughts can vary widely in intensity, fluctuate with time, and tend to worsen in stressful situations. People with depression and other depressive mental disorders are at a higher risk for suicidal ideation. It is also more common in people below the age of 18, with an estimated 18% of minors in the U.S. experiencing suicidal ideation at some point in their lives.
Even though suicidal ideation is not a definitive measure of someone’s likelihood to attempt suicide, it is important to take any thoughts of suicide seriously. It is impossible to determine if someone’s thoughts of suicide will result in an attempt, so it is best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help as early as possible. Treatment for suicidal ideation includes therapy and potentially medication, only if prescribed by your doctor as self-medication can make thoughts of suicide worse. If you (or a loved one) live in the U.S. and experience suicidal ideation, you can call 988 to get over the phone support from professionals through the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.