September marks two critical observances in mental health and addiction recovery: National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month. These awareness campaigns shine a spotlight on the interconnected nature of mental health struggles, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation while celebrating the possibility of recovery and the importance of seeking help.
National Suicide Prevention Month: Breaking the Silence
National Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, aims to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma surrounding mental health struggles, and promote resources for those in crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34 in the United States, with over 48,000 deaths by suicide occurring annually.¹
The relationship between substance abuse and suicide risk is particularly concerning. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry indicates that individuals with substance use disorders are approximately six times more likely to attempt suicide compared to the general population.² This sobering statistic underscores why comprehensive treatment addressing both mental health conditions and substance abuse is crucial for suicide prevention.
National Recovery Month: Celebrating Hope and Healing
National Recovery Month, also observed in September, celebrates the millions of Americans in recovery from substance use disorders and mental health conditions. This observance promotes evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, lauds the contributions of treatment providers, and encourages communities to support recovery-friendly policies and environments.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as “a process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.”³ This definition encompasses not just abstinence from substances, but a holistic approach to wellbeing that includes mental health stability, meaningful relationships, and purposeful engagement in life.
Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs
Understanding the warning signs of suicidal ideation can be lifesaving. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention identifies several key indicators:⁴
Immediate Risk Signs:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Expressing feeling trapped or unbearable pain
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Long-term Risk Factors:
- Previous suicide attempts
- History of depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions
- Substance abuse disorders
- Family history of suicide
- Chronic physical illness or pain
- Recent significant losses (job, relationship, loved one)
- Access to lethal means
The Connection Between Substance Abuse and Suicide Risk
Substance abuse and suicide share complex, bidirectional relationships. Substance use can:
- Lower inhibitions and increase impulsivity
- Exacerbate existing mental health conditions
- Create or worsen life problems (relationship issues, legal troubles, financial stress)
- Interfere with protective factors like social support and problem-solving abilities
Conversely, individuals with suicidal thoughts may use substances as a form of self-medication, creating a dangerous cycle. This is why integrated treatment approaches that address both conditions simultaneously are most effective.
Crisis Resources and Immediate Help
National Crisis Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Phone: 988
- Website: 988lifeline.org
- Available 24/7, 365 days a year
- Free and confidential support for people in distress and those around them
Crisis Text Line
- Text: HOME to 741741
- Website: crisistextline.org
- 24/7 text-based crisis support
SAMHSA National Helpline
- Phone: 1-800-662-4357
- Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders
Specialized Support Lines
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
- Phone: 1-800-950-6264
- Website: nami.org
- Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
- Phone: 1-866-488-7386
- Website: thetrevorproject.org
- 24/7 crisis support services
Veterans Crisis Line
- Phone: 988, Press 1
- Website: veteranscrisisline.net
- Specialized support for veterans and their families
Treatment and Recovery Resources
Professional Mental Health Treatment
Recovery from mental health conditions and substance use disorders requires comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. At Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, we provide residential mental health treatment that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
Our Treatment Approaches Include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR Therapy
- Trauma-focused therapies
- Addiction therapy
- Holistic healing approaches
Specialized Treatment Programs
For First Responders and Veterans: Our first responder mental health programs recognize the unique challenges faced by those who serve others. We also provide specialized care for veterans’ mental health needs.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care: We offer LGBT-affirming treatment that recognizes the specific challenges and strengths within the LGBTQ+ community.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services:
- Anxiety disorder treatment
- PTSD treatment
- Borderline personality disorder treatment
- Bipolar disorder treatment
- OCD treatment
Creating a Support Network
Building Protective Factors
Recovery and suicide prevention are strengthened by protective factors that build resilience:
Individual Factors:
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Impulse control
- Help-seeking behavior when problems arise
- Strong sense of personal identity and self-esteem
Relationship Factors:
- Strong connections to family and community
- Social support and sense of belonging
- Marriage and family life
- Bonds with caring adults (for youth)
Community and Society Factors:
- Access to effective clinical care
- Reduced access to lethal means
- Strong connections to educational institutions
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
Supporting Someone in Recovery
If you have a loved one in recovery or someone who has expressed suicidal thoughts:
- Take all threats seriously
- Listen without judgment
- Ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts
- Remove or secure potential means of harm
- Stay with the person or ensure they are not alone
- Help them connect with professional support
- Follow up and stay engaged
- Take care of your own mental health needs
Recovery Success Stories and Hope
Recovery is possible, and millions of Americans are living proof. According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 23 million Americans are in recovery from substance use disorders.⁵ Similarly, with appropriate treatment, many individuals with mental health conditions achieve significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life.
Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry demonstrates that comprehensive treatment approaches can reduce suicide risk by up to 50% in high-risk populations.⁶ This evidence reinforces that seeking professional help is one of the most important steps someone can take.
Resources for Families and Friends
Educational Resources
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Website: nimh.nih.gov
- Comprehensive information about mental health conditions, treatments, and research
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Website: afsp.org
- Prevention resources, research, and support for loss survivors
Mental Health First Aid
- Website: mentalhealthfirstaid.org
- Training programs to help recognize and respond to mental health crises
Support Groups and Peer Programs
NAMI Support Groups
- Family-to-Family education programs
- Peer-to-peer support groups
- Online support communities
Al-Anon/Nar-Anon
- Support for families and friends of individuals with substance use disorders
- Website: al-anon.org, nar-anon.org
Suicide Prevention Support Groups
- Support for loss survivors
- Online communities and local meetings
- Resource: Alliance of Hope (allianceofhope.org)
Taking Action: How to Get Involved
Advocacy and Awareness
- Share mental health and recovery resources on social media
- Participate in local Recovery Month events
- Support suicide prevention legislation
- Volunteer with local mental health organizations
- Reduce stigma through open, honest conversations
Professional Development
- Become Mental Health First Aid certified
- Attend continuing education on suicide risk assessment
- Implement trauma-informed practices in your workplace
- Support employee assistance programs
Finding Professional Help
When to Seek Immediate Help
Seek immediate professional help if you or someone you know:
- Has thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Has made suicide attempts or plans
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Experiences symptoms of psychosis
- Has severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Shows signs of severe depression
Starting Your Recovery Journey
Recovery begins with a single step: reaching out for help. At Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, our treatment team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care. We offer:
- Psychological evaluation and diagnosis
- Individualized treatment planning
- Evidence-based therapy approaches
- Family involvement and education
- Aftercare planning and support
Contact Information:
- Phone: (949) 284-7325
- Address: 25481 Gloriosa Dr, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
- Email: admissions@socalsunrise.com
- Website: socalsunrise.com
We accept most major insurance plans and provide verification services to help make treatment accessible.
Conclusion: Hope, Help, and Healing
National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month remind us that mental health struggles and substance use disorders are treatable conditions, not personal failures. Recovery is possible, help is available, and hope can be restored.
Whether you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, battling addiction, supporting a loved one in crisis, or celebrating milestones in recovery, remember that you’re not alone. Professional help, peer support, and evidence-based treatment can make all the difference.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. For non-emergency support and to learn more about our treatment programs, contact Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center at (949) 284-7325.
Recovery happens. Hope heals. Help is here.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
- Poorolajal, J., & Darvishi, N. (2016). Smoking and suicide: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77(4), e1-e9.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Recovery and Recovery Support. Retrieved from samhsa.gov
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024). Risk Factors and Warning Signs. Retrieved from afsp.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- Brown, G. K., et al. (2005). Cognitive therapy for the prevention of suicide attempts: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(1), 156-164.
This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
