Risk of suicide: its occurrence and related variables among bereaved substance users

Abstract

Background: Drug-dependent people are one of the most vulnerable populations to death by suicide. This study aims to explore the occurrence and related factors for risk of suicide in a sample of 196 bereaved substance-dependent patients.

Methods: Sociodemographic characteristics, bereavement and drug-related variables and symptoms of complicated grief (CG) were examined in a sample of 196 bereaved drug-dependent patients abstemious at least during the last month. A multiple linear regression analysis was adjusted to identify predictors of risk of suicide.

Results: 61.2% of patients reported risk of suicide. Those participants with risk of suicide were separated or widowed, without work, reported family antecedents of suicide attempts as well as personal suicide attempts and symptoms of CG.

Conclusion: Results indicate that the occurrence of the risk of suicide among drug-dependent people is very high and some risk factors are identified. Clinicians should pay particular attention to the bereaved drug-dependent patients with risk factors in order to identify people more vulnerable to present suicide risk.

• Complicated grief
• risk of suicide
• substance use disorder

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the considerable and valuable contributions of Dr Stroebe and Dr Schut. They also thank Dr Beceiro, hospital librarian, at IAS for his support. Furthermore, the authors want to express their gratitude to the professionals from CAS Teresa Ferrer (IAS) for their help in the collection of data and to the respondents for their participation.

Declaration of interest

All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.