Suicide Prevention In Early Recovery Addiction recovery can be a difficult and traumatizing experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately, it proves to be too difficult for many, as Psychology Today reports that one-third of all people who commit suicide are either under the influence of drugs or recovering from addiction. Suicide risk is exponentially higher during the delicate early stages of recovery, making suicide prevention a vital necessity. Article Contents Identifying Why People Commit Suicide In Early Recovery Every person has a different reason for considering suicide while in early recovery. These reasons may seem trite or silly to you, but they are very real to the person who feels them. The following influences are among the most common in people who either contemplate or commit suicide in early recovery: Hopelessness – Addiction often makes a person feel trapped and alone. In the early stages of recovery, those feelings are still going to be incredibly high. As a result, suicide can seem like a way out. Pains of withdrawal – In people withdrawing from opiates or alcohol, pain can be excruciating. Many people turn to suicide as a way to eliminate this pain. Intensity of cravings – Even after withdrawal, drug cravings can strike. The intensity of these cravings can drive a person to distraction, make them feel pain, or cause anxiety that may lead to suicide. Depression and guilt – After a person has committed to recovery and have obtained a clear mind, they may feel a sense of depression and guilt over their past behaviors. Those feelings may increase in severity and lead a person to suicide. Sudden mood swings – The lack of a mind- and body-altering substance in a person’s system can lead to wild mood swings that can push a person into a suicidal state of mind. Identifying these feelings are crucial to preventing suicide in early recovery