For people living with severe alcohol or drug dependence, despair, shame, anxiety, and the relentless craving for substances can sometimes make life feel unbearable. Although most people with substance use disorders do not attempt suicide, alcohol and drug misuse are strongly associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Alcohol causes considerable harm in the UK. In 2024, almost 10,000 alcohol-specific deaths were registered — a slight fall from the record high recorded in 2023, but still far above pre-pandemic levels.
Alcohol is not the only substance associated with suicide. Dependence on opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, benzodiazepines and other drugs is linked to a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and premature death.
There is a well-established association between substance misuse and suicide. People with alcohol or drug dependence are several times more likely to die by suicide than those without these problems. Alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions, impair judgement, and increase impulsive behaviour, making it more likely that a person will act on thoughts they might otherwise resist.
Although older studies suggested very high rates of suicide among alcoholics, more recent research indicates that the lifetime risk is lower than previously believed, though still substantially higher than in the general population. Suicide attempts are also more common among people with substance use disorders, especially where depression, trauma, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties are present.
Many people who attempt suicide have consumed alcohol or other drugs beforehand. Intoxication can intensify feelings of hopelessness, increase impulsive behaviour, and impair judgement. In recent years, both suicide rates and drug-related deaths have increased in the UK, making this an important public health concern.
Recovery greatly reduces the risks associated with alcohol and drug misuse, but emotional difficulties do not always disappear immediately. Early recovery can be challenging. Feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, loneliness, and depression may persist for some time, and cravings can return unexpectedly.
For this reason, continued support is important. Recovery is not simply about stopping drinking or taking drugs. It is also about rebuilding physical health, restoring relationships, developing new coping skills, and learning how to live well without mood-altering substances.
Many emotional and psychological symptoms improve significantly with sustained abstinence. Research suggests that anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and emotional instability often lessen over time, particularly when people receive support from family, friends, counselling, mutual aid groups, healthcare professionals, or recovery communities.
Alcohol and other drugs affect many of the brain’s chemical systems involved in mood, sleep, stress, reward, and emotional regulation. Heavy and prolonged substance use can disrupt these systems, contributing to depression, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbance, and emotional instability.
Substance misuse can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor physical health, which may further affect brain function and overall wellbeing.
While addiction can have devastating consequences, recovery is possible. Many people who once experienced profound despair go on to live stable, fulfilling, and meaningful lives.
Recovery, treatment, mutual support, and connection with others can significantly reduce the risks associated with addiction. No one needs to face these struggles alone. Hope is possible, and with time and support, many people achieve lasting recovery and renewed purpose.