CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. The Nature and Scope of Suicide
2. Recognizing the Progressive Development of Suicide
3. Substance Abuse as a Major Contributor to Suicide
4. Suicide Across the Life Span
5. Special Populations and Suicide Risk
6. Prevention and Early Intervention for Suicide and Substance Abuse Problems

Supplements
References
Resources

Holding the Lifeline
A Guide to Suicide Prevention

Suggested Practices

Researchers, practitioners, and national organizations are recognizing the need to make sure patients with co-occurring disorders receive the treatment they need. Advances in the treatment of co-occurring disorders include improved assessments, psychological interventions, psychiatric medications, and new treatment models and methods. These improvements have increased the options for the counselor and the client. ref

Key Issues and Concerns include recommendations for mental health and other professionals to prevent suicidal behavior among clients.

To encourage best-practices and to provide guidelines for mental health and other professionals, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment develops Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) and draws on the experience and knowledge of clinical, research, and administrative experts to produce them.

"Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders" TIP (#42) provides information for professionals in related fields on successful programming, assessment, strategies for working with clients with co-occurring disorders, cross-cutting issues, and other topics related to the co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance abuse. TIP 42 includes special sections on suicide and substance abuse.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has also established a Co-Occurring Center for Excellence (COCE). This initiative is led by CSAT and the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). It acts as a vital link between SAMHSA and the States, communities, and providers. COCE provides technical assistance, information, and training resources. It focuses on evidence-based treatment models and strategies, unified service systems, client/consumer focus and cultural competence, and quality improvement.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has published Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents: A Research-Based Guide for Parents, Educators and Community.