Predictors of a suicide attempt one year after entry into substance use disorder treatment.

Background: The present study examined the patient intake and treatment-related risk factors associated with a suicide attempt in the 30 days before a 1-year post-treatment assessment.

Methods: A national sample of 8,807 patients presenting for treatment of substance use disorders (SUD’s) in the US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system were assessed at treatment intake and follow-up.

Using the MacArthur Model, the risk and protective factors for suicide attempt were identified at baseline and during treatment.

Results: At follow-up, 4% (314/8,807) of the patients reported a suicide attempt within the past 30 days.

Baseline predictors of a suicide attempt before follow-up included

• elevated suicidal/psychiatric symptoms,
• more recent problematic alcohol use, and
• longer duration of cocaine use.

Contact with the criminal justice system was a protective factor that reduced the likelihood of a future suicide attempt.

Greater engagement in SUD treatment was also associated with a reduction in suicide risk.

Conclusions: More involvement in SUD treatment reduced the likelihood of a future suicide attempt in high-risk patients.

Substance use disorder treatment providers interested in reducing future suicidal behavior may want to concentrate their efforts on identifying at-risk individuals and actively engaging these patients in longer treatment episodes.

Research report; Predictors of a suicide attempt one year after entry into substance use disorder treatment. Ilgen MA, Harris AH, Moos RH, Tiet QQ. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2007; 31(4): 635-42.

See also;

• Strategies for Dealing With Crises
• Brief-TSF is designed to address these issues.

Alcohol and Suicide: Research and Clinical Perspectives by Leo Sher, Isack Kandel, Joav Merrick Read more about this title…