Suicide Prevention: Working With Patients Who Have Substance Use Disorders

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and, there has been a recent dramatic increase in substance use deaths, by opioids in particular. The loss of life to these two health issues is tragic. People at risk for substance-related death and suicide share some commonalities and yet pathways to these disorders are quite different. Nonetheless, sometimes is difficult, if not impossible, to determine cause of death when someone lives with both health conditions. In an effort to prevent these leading causes of death, it is important to be knowledgeable about each, their etiology, risk factors, warning signs, and relevant treatments and interventions. Treatment and intervention options for suicide risk and substance dependence are quite different and may need to be combined for lifesaving efforts. By sharing a model for understanding suicide and reviewing risk factors and warning signs, as we well as some treatment options, the presenters hope to clarify distinctions and areas of overlap. The goal of this session is to highlight suicide prevention interventions that can be utilized in the context of treatments for substance use disorder. Discussion and questions will be an important component of the session.