This study on suicide attempts is part of a large research project on dependent behaviour in adolescents & young adults. 228 subjects aged 14-25 (107 ‘drug abusers’, 121 controls) were evaluated on the basis of a semi-structured interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), enabling a DSM-IV diagnosis, & self-reports. 31.5% of ‘drug abuser’ males & 41.2% of ‘drug abuser’ females committed 1 or more suicide attempts. The results of a logistic regression show that the significant factor explaining suicide attempts in drug users is emotional reliance for males & experience-seeking for females. (37 refs)