Addiction Severity and Suicidal Behaviors Among Persons Entering Treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study was three-fold: to compare the rates for suicidal behaviors based on the problem substance, to look at the association between addiction severity and suicidal behaviors, and to identify the components of addiction severity associated with suicidal behaviors. Addiction Severity Index databases from three public rehabilitation centers were merged for analyses, yielding 6,551 evaluations. The rates for suicidal behaviors among those who have a problem with both alcohol and a drug are higher than for those who have a problem with any single substance. The effect of addiction severity on suicidal behaviors persists even when other problem areas are taken into account. Thus, clinicians must pay closer attention to persons with both alcohol and drug problem.

Keywords:

• alcohol addiction
• drug addiction
• substance use disorder
• suicidal behaviors
• treatment

Notes

¹An SMR equal to 100 indicates that the rate is the same rate as in the general population For example, an SMR of 500 indicates a five-fold greater number of observed cases compared to the general population.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hélène Simoneau

Hélène Simoneau, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Est-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.

Jean-Marc Ménard

Jean-Marc Ménard, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.

Nadine Blanchette-Martin

Nadine Blanchette-Martin, Centre intégré de santé et de Service et Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale - Centre de services de réadaptation en dépendance de Québec, Québec, and Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches - Programme Dépendance, Lévis, QC, Canada.