Many things can lead to suicidal thoughts, and all of them need to be addressed in different ways. However, alcohol and drug abuse have been linked to suicide, and it’s important to remember that no two people use substances for the same reason.
PTSD from trauma, military combat, or a stressful event such as an act of terrorism can all lead to alcohol abuse, as can chronic pain, childhood abuse or surviving a near-fatal accident. For many people, drugs and alcohol can dull the emotional pain from these events, but the risk is twofold; drinking can have a physical effect on the brain as well as a psychological effect, which can cause suicidal thoughts. And for those in recovery, the rush of sudden emotions and memories that can come when there is no alcohol to keep them at bay can send a person into a distressed state.