Year: 2005 Source: Accident Analysis and Prevention, v.37, no.4, (July 2005), p.625-632 SIEC No: 20080333

The effectiveness of restricting access to certain means of suicide has been demonstrated, at least as regards toxic domestic gas, firearms, drugs, & bridges. At the individual level, studies tend to indicate many persons have a preference for a given means which would limit the possibility of substitution or displacement towards another method. Similarly, the fact that suicidal crises are very often short-lived suggests an individual with restricted access to a given means would not put off plans to later or turn to alternative methods. If a shift towards other means should occur, it appears the effect would only be partial & over a longer term. (65 refs.)