Substance abuse is a risk factor that increases the likelihood a student will contemplate or attempt suicide.

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Substance use disorders and risky drinking among students raise the risk of thinking about or attempting suicide. Using substances can worsen mood problems like depression, increase impulsivity and poor judgment during intoxication or withdrawal, and reduce the ability to cope with crises. It also often goes hand in hand with stressors such as academic trouble, relationship problems, or exposure to trauma, which further elevate risk. Across research focusing on youth, those who misuse substances show higher rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts compared with their peers who don’t misuse substances. That makes the statement true and aligned with what studies consistently find. Saying there isn’t enough evidence ignores the substantial body of research, and claiming it applies only to adults overlooks that adolescence is a critical period where substance use and suicide risk can co-occur and interact similarly.