Substance Use-Disorder Treatment and a Decline in Attempted Suicide During and After Treatment

This study examined whether treatment setting, length of treatment, & availability/use of psychiatric services are associated with a reduced likelihood of a suicide attempt during & 1 year after treatment. A national sample of 3,733 patients was assessed at the start of an episode of substance use disorder treatment & again at discharge &/or 1 year after treatment. Mixed-model logistic regression analyses examined treatment-related predictors of in-treatment & posttreatment suicide attempts. The rate of suicide attempts was significantly lower in the year following treatment (4%) than in the year before treatment (9%). Suicide attempts made during treatment were less likely in patients treated in residential as compared with outpatient settings. A longer course of treatment was associated with a lower likelihood of a posttreatment suicide attempt. (30 refs.)