Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: How to Get Help & Address Problem Gambling

Each September, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling joins organizations nationwide in spotlighting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, amplifying vital conversations around mental health and the hidden crises fueling suicide risk – including problem gambling. Did you know? All 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine Specialists complete Suicide Prevention Training annually, as well as prior to responding to their first contacts.

Want to help raise awareness? Click here to download this flyer as a PDF for easy sharing and printing.

What CDC’s Latest Data Reveals

CDC’s latest provisional data reveal that more than 49,000 lives were lost to suicide in the United States in 2023 – making suicide one of the leading causes of death, with someone dying by suicide every 11 minutes. About 12.8 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.7 million made a plan, and 1.5 million attempted suicide in the same year. The current annual rate has rebounded to its peak, despite modest declines between 2018–2020. [1]

Certain groups continue to face higher risks: suicide rates among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people, and non-Hispanic White individuals remain higher than other groups. Males make up about half the population but nearly 80% of suicides, with an age-adjusted suicide rate of 22.7 per 100,000, compared to 5.9 for females. Older adults are especially vulnerable; people ages 85 and older show the highest suicide rates in 2023. [1]

Suicide Rates by Demographic: Who Is Most Vulnerable?

Group	Rate per 100,000 (2023) [1]
Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native	23.8
Non-Hispanic White	17.6
Males	22.7
Females	5.9
Age 85+	22.7

Firearms remain the most common suicide method, used in over half of suicide deaths in 2023.

Gambling Addiction: A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

Problem gambling stands out as the addiction with the highest rate of suicide attempts. Research shows 1 in 5 compulsive gamblers will attempt suicide at some point in their lives – a figure surpassing other addictive disorders. FCCG’s 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine data consistently shows that many Floridians suffering from problem gambling endure severe mental health struggles, including suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety.

Problem gambling can lead to a devastating chain reaction that affects every corner of a person’s life – financial stability, emotional health, and relationships. As losses mount and trust erodes, many individuals feel overwhelmed by guilt, shame, and isolation. The unpredictable nature of gambling, combined with the sudden financial collapse it can cause, often leaves people feeling powerless and trapped, believing there’s no escape. These intense emotions can fuel suicidal thoughts, especially when support feels out of reach.

There is a way forward. Recovery is possible, and help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine offers compassionate support, resources, and a path toward healing. You are not alone, and there is hope.

Hope, Help, and Taking Action

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If gambling addiction is a factor, addressing it with urgency can prevent future crisis. The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine offers confidential, compassionate problem gambling support 24/7 from specialists trained in suicide prevention. Anyone in crisis can also reach the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

If someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that support is available and recovery is possible. The FCCG remains committed to raising awareness, providing resources, and helping Floridians impacted by problem gambling find the path to recovery.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts as a result of gambling addiction, call or text the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine. Suicide is a permanent response to a temporary problem. There is always a way out of the hopelessness you or a loved one may feel.

Reference:

1. “Suicide Data and Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Mar. 2025, www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html.