What Should I Do If I Think My Loved One Is Suicidal?
If you are concerned your loved one may be thinking about suicide, your concern deserves to be taken seriously. This family guide explains immediate steps to take, how to ask about suicide safely, which factors elevate risk in people with addiction, and when to call 911.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne
Chief Medical Officer
At Banyan Treatment Centers, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne leads our nationwide clinical team with over a decade of addiction medicine experience, helping ensure evidence-based, compassionate care across every level of treatment.
Author / Written by: Banyan Editorial Staff
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne, CMO
Updated on: June 2026
Family Resources Hub › Mental Health Resources › What to Do If Your Loved One Is Suicidal
Responding to Suicidal Thinking and What Families Need to Know
If you are here because you are worried your loved one may be thinking about suicide, your concern is important and your instincts deserve to be taken seriously. Suicidal thinking in the context of addiction and mental health conditions is a medical emergency, not a manipulation tactic, not a phase, and not something to wait out and see what happens.
The connection between addiction and suicide is well-documented. People with substance use disorders are 10–14 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The combination of depression, intoxication, impulsivity, hopelessness, and loss that often characterizes severe addiction creates a profile of elevated risk that families and clinicians must take seriously.
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Immediate Steps When You're Concerned
Call 988 or 911
988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) is available 24/7 by call or text, free and confidential, staffed by trained crisis counselors. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, not just distressed, but in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to an emergency room. Do not leave them alone.
Remove Access to Means
One of the most effective suicide prevention measures is reducing access to lethal means. If your loved one is in crisis, secure or remove firearms, medications, and other potential means from the home. This single step has strong evidence as a suicide prevention measure.
Ask Directly — And Listen
In a calm, private moment, ask directly: 'I've been worried about you. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?' Listen without panicking. Let them respond. Do not minimize or change the subject. Your willingness to ask and listen communicates that they can be honest with you.
Get Clinical Help Today
Suicidal thinking in the context of addiction and mental health requires same-day clinical assessment, not a routine outpatient appointment in two weeks. Call 988, a crisis line, a treatment program, or take them to an emergency room. Express the urgency to anyone you speak with.
Factors That Elevate Risk in People With Addiction
Active Substance Use
Intoxication reduces inhibition and impairs judgment, two of the most significant protective factors against acting on suicidal thoughts. Many suicides in people with addiction occur during intoxication, when the person would not have acted in a sober state.
Co-Occurring Depression
Depression combined with addiction creates a risk profile significantly higher than either alone. Hopelessness, a core feature of depression, is one of the strongest predictors of suicidal behavior, and addiction both worsens depression and impairs the rational consideration of consequences.
Recent Loss or Crisis
A relationship ending, legal consequences, financial collapse, or loss of employment, all consequences that addiction frequently produces, are significant precipitants of suicidal crises in people already at elevated risk. Families should be particularly vigilant after significant losses.
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Related Guides
Addiction and Suicide Risk
How substance use dramatically elevates suicide risk — and what families need to know.
Read the guide →Warning Signs of Suicidal Thinking
The specific behaviors and statements that require immediate attention.
Read the guide →What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
How to identify and respond to a mental health crisis in a loved one.
Read the guide →How to Talk About Suicide
Safe, evidence-based approaches for having conversations about suicidal thoughts.
Read the guide →What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Understanding co-occurring mental health and addiction — why treatment must address both.
Read the guide →Caregiver Mental Health
How to take care of your own mental health while supporting a loved one in crisis.
Read the guide →Additional Resources
Tools, community, and organizations to support your family's journey.
Crisis & Hotlines
Immediate help — national helplines and crisis resources for addiction and mental health emergencies.
View all crisis resources →Support Groups
Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, SMART Recovery Family & Friends, and peer groups for families.
Find a group near you →Blog & Articles
Clinician-authored articles, personal stories, and recovery news to keep families informed.
Read the Banyan blog →Insurance & Financing
Insurance verification, financing options, and navigating the cost of treatment.
Check your coverage →Downloadable Guides
Free PDFs on intervention, what to pack for treatment, and relapse prevention planning.
Free family addiction guide →About Banyan
Our clinical approach, accreditations, and the team behind Banyan's family-centered care model.
Meet our clinical team →