Psychotherapy in the treatment of alcohol and substance abusing adolescents with suicidal behavior

Abstract

Adolescence is a unique time period in an individual's life, one in which suicide and substance abuse become substantial health risks. Currently, suicide accounts for approximately 14% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds in the USA. Drug, alcohol abuse and dependence are the most prevalent causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality in the USA. Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between adolescent alcohol, substance abuse and suicide. When compared to community controls, the rate of a substance abuse disorder was 8.5 times higher in a sample of adolescent suicide completers and the rate of alcohol abuse was 7.5 times higher. Genetic and biological variables may also be responsible for either alcohol and substance abuse or suicide or both alcohol and substance abuse and suicide. There is little empirical research evaluating the effectiveness of alcohol and substance abuse treatments for adolescents. Therapies such as multisystemic therapy, functional family therapy, motivational interviewing, community reinforcement, the 12-step approach and contingency management reinforcement seem to be effective treatments. Despite the strong association between adolescent alcohol and substance use and suicidal behaviors, few studies have investigated the combined treatment of these two issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy, seems to be a promising psychotherapy treatment for suicidality in alcohol and substance abusing adolescents. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of various treatments of alcohol and substance abusing adolescents with suicidal behavior.

Physical and Psycho-Social Predictors of Adolescents’ Suicide Behaviors

“…This finding is consistent with numerous previous studies that reported a significant correlation between substance use and suicide in adolescents (Conason et al 2005;Mehlenbeck et al 2003). This finding is explained by the gateway theory of substance use.…”

“…It has been proven by several studies that there is a significant correlation between substance use and suicide among adolescents (Conason et al 2005;Mehlenbeck et al 2003). Studies have consistently demonstrated that suicidal behaviors are more likely to occur among adolescents who abuse alcohol (Bae et al 2005;Shaffer and Pfeffer 2001) or use illicit drugs (Gould et al 2003;King et al 2001).…”

Rethinking Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Care: The Importance of Integrated Interventions for Suicidal Youth With Substance Use Problems

“…And despite the strong association between adolescent substance use and suicidal behaviors, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of combined interventions for these two problems (Conason, Oquendo, & Sher, 2006). Because the presence of a substance use disorder is significantly associated with readmission of adolescents to inpatient care (Fontanella, 2008), it is imperative that inpatient psychiatric facilities take action to adequately address substance use issues when they present in adolescents admitted due to suicidal behavior.…”

Le vécu d’adolescents toxicomanes en traitement présentant des comportements suicidaires

“…L'hypothèse selon laquelle la consommation de SPA causerait des changements biologiques amenant une dégradation de l'humeur et ultérieurement des comportements suicidaires chez les individus vulnérables a aussi été formulée (Volkow, 2001). D'autres auteurs supposent que le suicide et les problèmes de consommation de SPA auraient des facteurs de risques communs (Bukstein et al 1993 ;Rossow, Romelsjo & Leifman, 1999), par exemple des problèmes familiaux ou des abus physiques ou sexuels durant l'enfance (Mishara & Tousignant, 2004 ;Nadeau & Biron, 1998) ou certains traits de caractère comme l'impulsivité (Conason, Oquendo & Sher, 2006 ;Gossop, 2005 (Goldston, 2004).…”