Drug Addiction, AIDS and Suicidal Behaviour (IN: Suicidal Behaviour in Europe: Recent Research Findings, edited by P Crepet et al)

The present investigation was mainly concerned with the differentiation between suicide attempt or accidental poisoning in drug addicts and the role of HIV-1 infection. The investigation describes characteristics and trends among 223/175/124 drug addicts investigated in February 1989/1990/1991. Compared with nonattempters, suicide attempters were significantly more likely to be females, to be younger, to have begun drug use at an earlier age, to be polydrug users, and to consume alcohol as well. There was a relation between HIV-1 infection and overdosing as expression of harmful behaviour. (32 refs)