Adolescent Substance Abuse and Suicide

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Substance use often linked to suicidality, but dynamics vary

More and more substance abuse counselors, mental health professionals, and justice system officers are observing adolescents who present with a history of suicidal ideation and attempts. An important issue in examining this population involves exploring the interrelationship between adolescent suicide and substance use.

The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reports that in 2000, there were 3,994 suicides in the United States by people under the age of 25; 1,621 of those victims (41%) were 19 years old and younger, while 300 were between the ages of 10 and 14. In 2000, suicide ranked as the third …