Youth Suicide & Drugs
Theory & Overview
DRUGnet Drug Management
• Drugs have function
• Chemical effects
• Connection between
drug use & suicide
• Categories & functions of
self-harm & suicidal behaviours
• What‟s being done
Youth Suicide & Drugs
Drugs are Functional
DRUGnet Drug Management
• Fun, experimentation, „peak seekers‟
• Coping
– „Trough avoiders‟ (occasional/lots)
– Developmental maturity delayed
• Image, prestige & reputation (power)
• Social Functioning
• Self-medication
– depression, ADHD, psychosis
• Other (eg financial, vocational…)
• Life-line (note risk factors)
Youth Suicide & Drugs
Chemical Effects
• Depressants
DRUGnet Drug Management
– Alcohol, Heroin, (Tranquillisers),
Solvents
– Mixing
• Anti-depressants
• Withdrawal & rebound effects
– stimulants & depressants
• Cannabis
– anti-depressant ??
– Rebound effects
Youth Suicide & Drugs
Connection Between Drugs & Suicide
• Method of suicide
DRUGnet Drug Management
– ‘Dutch courage’: impulse control
– Drugs as primary method
• Addiction problems
– Stuck, Withdrawal, -ve Cycle, „hopeless‟
• Drug problems (4Ls - lack of success)
– health (psychological & physical)
– relationships (family, lover & friends)
– accommodation, financial, vocation
education & recreation
– legal
Youth Suicide & Drugs
Categories of Risk, Self-harm, Suicide
• Meaning & function behind suicide
DRUGnet Drug Management
• Overt suicidal ideation &/or behaviour
– end life; escape pain & probs; get even
• Self-harm
– express pain, release, attention (eg solvents)
• I don‟t care about life risk-taking
– avoid decision, careless
– I don‟t acknowledge the risks: alcohol & tobacco
• I do care about life risk-taking
– accidental death/skill in taking risks
Youth Suicide & Drugs
No Fear
DRUGnet Drug Management
“We take these risks
Not to escape life
But to prevent life
Escaping us”
Youth Suicide & Drugs
What’s being done
DRUGnet Drug Management
• WA Suicide Prevention Strategy
(Youth Suicide Advisory Committee)
– promote well-being
– early identification & help
– crisis support & treatment
– support after suicide
– research
Youth Suicide & Drugs
Risk Factors
Young people with:
DRUGnet Drug Management
• Previous suicide attempt
• Substance use
• Justice system
• Mental illness
• Rural & remote (male)
• Aboriginal
• Gay men & women
• Young men
Youth Suicide & Drugs
Protective Factors
• Social Factors
DRUGnet Drug Management
– Supportive & caring network of
family & friends
– Healthy physical environment
– Positive school experience
– Community support available
• Personal Resources
– Social identity & belonging
– Self-worth
– Decision making, prob solv & life skills
– Positive view of future
Youth Suicide & Drugs
What’s being done
• Holistic Approach
DRUGnet Drug Management
• Involve everybody (gov, non-gov,
business, ldag, - drug minister &
WADASO, Health policy unit)
• SDEP & “In Touch”
• Practice Development Project - CBS &
FCS, Youth, Aboriginal & Prison Sectors
• Best Practice Manual for drug workers
– (screening, risk factors, intervention)
Youth Suicide & Drugs
What’s being done
• Intensive Support Program Inter-
DRUGnet Drug Management
agency case management
• Diversion programs
• State solvent abuse plan
• Parent programs
• GP support program
• Doctor-shopping program
• Sports Partnerships
• Grief groups
• My Dream - Child to Child program
Youth Suicide & Drugs
Summary
• Drugs are functional - know what the
DRUGnet Drug Management
function is & cater for it prior to & reducing
drug
• Different categories of suicide
• Consider chemical effects
• Routinely screen for
– Drug Issues
– Suicidal behaviour (policy/best practice)
• Risk & protective factors
• Supervision/consultation
WEB http://go.to/dualdiagnosis