Intersections of substance use and suicide: Evidence and key take-aways

Many intersecting factors contribute to suicide risk among people with substance use concerns, including mental illness, trauma, feelings of hopelessness, impulsivity, social isolation, and social, environmental and systemic factors  such as stigma that can be barriers to accessing services and supports. The objectives of this report are to highlight: • How specific substances affect the relationships among substance use concerns, substance use disorder (SUD), suicide risk and the transition from suicidal thoughts to suicide attempts and death by suicide; • People and communities who are at higher risk for substance use and suicide, and population specific approaches that show promise for mitigating their risk; • Approaches for prevention and intervention that could improve support and outcomes for people with substance use concerns who are at risk for suicide; and • Gaps in knowledge and areas for further research.