Exploring the Impact of Recreational Drugs on Suicidal Behavior: A Narrative Review

Substance use and suicide are closely linked through neurobiological, psychological, and social factors. This narrative review examines the relationship between suicidal behavior and common recreational drugs including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, nicotine, ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. Current research indicates that most substances increase the risk of suicidal behavior, except for ketamine and psilocybin, which may have a protective effect. The relationship between MDMA, LSD, and suicide remains unclear and requires further investigation.

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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.