Suicidal behavior among users of alcohol and illicit drugs

Psychiatric disorders, which include substance use disorders, are known antecedents of suicidal behavior. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among those using alcohol ranges from 15 to 50%, which is similar to the prevalence rate among other substance users. For suicide attempts, prevalence estimates are upwards of 50% among adults using alcohol or other substances and 20% in substance-using adolescent populations. Injection drug use in particular appears to impart the greatest risk for both fatal and non-fatal suicidal acts. Data consistently demonstrate an association between alcohol and other drug use and both fatal and non-fatal suicidal behavior, including ideation, attempts and completed suicide.