What risk factor for officer suicide is associated with substance use?

Substance use, particularly drug and alcohol abuse, is identified as a significant risk factor for officer suicide. It often serves as a maladaptive coping mechanism for the stressors and traumas that law enforcement officers encounter in their line of duty. Officers may turn to these substances to numb emotional pain, to escape from the pressures of their work, or as a means of self-medication. This can lead to a downward spiral where increased use of substances results in impaired judgment, increased isolation, and a decrease in the ability to cope with stress, all of which can further heighten the risk of suicidal ideation or attempts.

In contrast, healthy coping mechanisms, participation in community service, and increased physical fitness are generally associated with positive mental health outcomes and resilience, making them protective factors rather than risk factors. Thus, while they may contribute to an officer's overall well-being, they do not correlate with the same level of risk for suicide as substance abuse does.