Facebook Live: The Intersection of Suicide and Substance Use
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Overview
In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) co-hosted a Facebook Live event on the intersection of suicide and substance use.
Individuals who experience a substance use disorder (SUD) during their lives may also experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa. Suicide risk is increased among those with either a mental disorder or SUD, or both. This intersection emphasizes the need to address co-occurring mental health conditions holistically. During the event, NIMH Director Joshua A. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., and NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D. , led a discussion on common risk factors, populations at elevated risk, suicides by drug overdose, treatments, prevention, and resources for finding help.