To learn more about our mental health treatment in Georgia, call us at 844.904.3485.
Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Dual Diagnosis
Suicidal ideation includes thoughts of wanting to die, feeling like life is not worth living, or imagining ways to end one’s life.
These thoughts may be passive (“I wish I wouldn’t wake up”) or active (“I want to hurt myself”). In people with mental illness and substance abuse (dual diagnosis), these thoughts can feel intense and constant.
Suicidal Ideation vs. ‘Being Suicidal’
Suicidal ideation is different from suicidal behavior, which includes suicide attempts or self-harm actions. However, ideation is one of the strongest predictors of future suicide attempts and should always be taken seriously.
Why Dual Diagnosis Increases Suicide Risk
People with dual diagnosis are at a much higher risk of suicide than the general population. This is because mental health disorders and substance use disorders amplify one another.
Mental health conditions can cause emotional pain, hopelessness, and impulsivity.
Common mental health problems include:
- Major depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
At the same time, drug use, alcohol dependence, and opioid misuse lower judgment, increase cravings, and reduce the brain’s ability to regulate emotions.
This co-occurrence creates an increased risk for suicidal behavior, especially during withdrawal, relapse, or emotional stress.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation in Dual Diagnosis
Common risk factors for becoming suicidal in dual diagnosis patients include:
- Severe depressive symptoms
- Substance misuse or drug abuse
- Past suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide
- Trauma and stressors
- Lack of support
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Access to drugs or alcohol
According to self-reports from national survey and public health data, adolescents and young adults with substance use disorders are at especially high risk for suicidal ideation and suicide deaths.
Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in Georgia
We provide several levels of care to help people who have experienced addiction along with co-occurring mental health disorders. They include a Residential Program, a Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, and an Outpatient Program.
Suicidal Ideation Warning Signs to Watch For
Signs of suicidal ideation are not always apparent at first.
Loved ones should look for warning signs such as:
- Talking about death or hopelessness
- Giving away belongings
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Social withdrawal
- Mood swings
- Reckless behavior
- Self-harm
If you notice these signs, seek professional help immediately.
How Substance Use Makes Suicidal Thoughts Worse
Substance use often intensifies suicidal ideation. Drug and alcohol use disorder change brain chemistry in ways that increase impulsivity, worsen mood, and reduce emotional control.
For people with dual diagnosis, this can make suicidal thoughts more frequent and harder to resist.
Alcohol, opioids, and other substances can deepen depression, raise anxiety, and weaken judgment, making suicidal behavior more likely.
During withdrawal, distress, insomnia, and cravings can feel overwhelming, especially when mental illness is already present. Substance misuse also isolates people from family members and support groups, cutting off emotional protection.
Together, mental illness and substance use disorders create a dangerous cycle that raises the risk of suicide attempts unless both are treated together.
How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Helps
For people living with dual diagnosis, suicidal ideation is often driven by the combined effects of mental illness and substance use. Effective, evidence-based treatment works by addressing both at the same time.
Medical detox and stabilization help reduce withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings that can trigger suicidal thoughts. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and psychiatric care support brain chemistry, helping regulate mood, impulsivity, and emotional pain.
Structured inpatient and outpatient programs provide daily therapy, monitoring, and emotional support, which is critical when someone is at high risk. Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help people identify distorted thinking and develop safer ways to cope with distress.
Gender-specific programs for men and women, which focus on individual factors each gender faces, strengthen connection and reduce isolation. Aftercare helps by providing ongoing support, which lowers relapse risk and protects long-term mental well-being.
When to Get Immediate Help for Suicidal Thoughts
If someone has thoughts of suicide, plans, or access to means, emergency help is needed. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact a local clinician or your preferred healthcare facility for referrals.
Disclaimer: This content is for education only and does not replace medical care.
Meet Our Experts
Star Bridges,
MS, LPC, CMAC, CCS
Clinical Director
Katie Sklivagkos,
RN, MSN, FNP-C
MS, LPC, CMAC, CCS
Nurse Practitioner
Tommie L. Walton, III,
LCSW, MAC
Training Consultant
Healing From Suicidal Thoughts in Dual Diagnosis Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal ideation, mental illness, and substance use, you don’t have to face it alone. Serenity Grove provides integrated, inpatient and outpatient dual diagnosis care to help stabilize emotions, treat addiction, and protect your well-being.
Start a conversation with us today
Sources:
- Substance Use and Suicide Risk — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Co-Occurring Disorders — National Institute of Mental Health
- Suicidal Behavior and Substance Use — National Survey on Drug Use and Health (SAMHSA)
