1. Research documents a strong link between drug and alcohol abuse and suicidal behavior. What that research does not establish is that substance abuse has a causal role in youth's suicide thoughts or actions. Substance abuse can cause social isolation, low self esteem, loss of work or school, estrangement from family and friends - all events that can build a core of stresses that may lead to suicidal tendencies. Substance abuse also can increase impulsiveness and decrease inhibitions, making one more likely to act on suicidal tendencies. Do Now- Read below and discuss whether you think the correlation is true.

2. Suicide Prevention

3. Suicide Rates and Substance Abuse “The Connection” About 50 percent of all suicide attempts involve alcohol and illegal drugs (including those who use alcohol or drugs in their attempt or test positively for alcohol or drugs at the time of the attempt). About 25 percent of completed suicides occur among drug abusers and those with alcohol abuse problems. The suicide rate of people under age 30 is increasing, largely because of substance abuse among young adults.

4. The Age Difference The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in adults are depression, alcohol abuse, cocaine use, and separation or divorce. The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, alcohol or other drug use disorder (including binge drinking and substance abuse), and aggressive or disruptive behaviors. More than 50 percent of teens who commit suicide have a history of alcohol and drug use. Many teens who are considering suicide suffer from depression. The frequency of suicide attempts among substance abusers is five times greater than the frequency among people who do not abuse substances.

5. Factors Research shows that risk factors for suicide include: depression and other mental disorders, or a substance-abuse disorder (often in combination with other mental disorders). More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have these risk factors. prior suicide attempt family history of mental disorder or substance abuse family history of suicide family violence, including physical or sexual abuse firearms in the home, the method used in more than half of suicides incarceration exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such as family members, peers, or media figures.

6. Warning Signs of Teen Suicide Disinterest in favorite extracurricular activities Problems at work and losing interest in a job Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug (illegal and legal drugs) use Behavioral problems Withdrawing from family and friends Sleep changes Changes in eating habits Begins to neglect hygiene and other matters of personal appearance Emotional distress brings on physical complaints (aches, fatigues, migraines) Hard time concentrating and paying attention Declining grades in school Risk taking behaviors Does not respond as before to praise

7. How can I help? Ways to start a conversation about suicide: I have been feeling concerned about you lately. Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing. I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately. Questions you can ask: When did you begin feeling like this? Did something happen that made you start feeling this way? How can I best support you right now? Have you thought about getting help? What you can say that helps: You are not alone in this. I’m here for you. You may not believe it now, but the way you’re feeling will change. I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.

8. Prevention Tips #1- Speak up if you’re worried If you spot the warning signs of suicide in someone you care about, you may wonder if it’s a good idea to say anything. What if you’re wrong? What if the person gets angry? In such situations, it's natural to feel uncomfortable or afraid. But anyone who talks about suicide or shows other warning signs needs immediate help—the sooner the better.

9. Prevention Tips #2- Respond quickly in a crisis If a friend or family member tells you that he or she is thinking about death or suicide, it's important to evaluate the immediate danger the person is in. Those at the highest risk for committing suicide in the near future have a specific suicide PLAN, the MEANS to carry out the plan, a TIME SET for doing it, and an INTENTION to do it. If a suicide attempt seems imminent, call a local crisis center, dial 911, or take the person to an emergency room. Remove guns, drugs, knives, and other potentially lethal objects from the vicinity but do not, under any circumstances, leave a suicidal person alone.

10. Prevention Tips #3: Offer help and support If a friend or family member is suicidal, the best way to help is by offering an empathetic, listening ear. Let your loved one know that he or she is not alone and that you care. Get professional help. Do everything in your power to get a suicidal person the help he or she needs. Call a crisis line for advice and referrals. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor's appointment.