Exploring the Impact of Recreational Drugs on Suicidal Behavior: A Narrative Review
Rosa María Moret, Sergio Sanz‐gómez, Santiago Gascón, Adrián Alacreu‐crespo
Psychoactives July 3, 2024 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives3030021 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Addiction Cannabis MDMA Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Recreational drug Methamphetamine Recreational use Heroin Substance abuse Nicotine Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | All examined recreational drugs appear to have a deleterious effect on suicidal behavior except for ketamine and psilocybin, which may confer a protective effect. |
Abstract
Substance use/abuse and suicide are two closely related phenomena, mostly due to neurobiological, psychological, and social impairments. In the present narrative review, the relationship between suicidal behavior (SB) and the use and abuse of common recreational drugs, such as alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, nicotine, ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD, has been explored. Furthermore, potential mechanisms linking the two have also been examined. According to current research, all substances appear to have a deleterious effect on SB except for ketamine and psilocybin, which could potentially confer a protective effect. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between MDMA, LSD, and suicide.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The neuropsychopharmacology of cannabis: A review of human imaging studies | 2018 | Review | |
| Substance-Induced Psychoses: An Updated Literature Review General (substance-induced psychosis) | 2021 | Narrative review | |
| New psychoactive substances of natural origin: A brief review | 2017 | Review | |
| New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – a Challenge for the Addiction Treatment Services | 2017 | Review | |
| Classic Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment: The Case for Psilocybin in Tobacco Smoking Cessation | 2022 | Review |