Drug and alcohol problems linked to increased veteran suicide risk, especially in women
The risk of suicide differs depending on the type of substance the veteran has problems with, according to the study. The highest suicide risks are among those who misuse prescription sedative medicines, such as tranquilizers. Women veterans who misuse opioid drugs also have an especially high risk of suicide, the study finds. The research, published in the journal Addiction by a team from the University of Michigan and Department of Veterans Affairs, finds that much of the difference in suicide risks might be explained by veterans who have both mental health conditions and substance use issues. But they say the new findings point to a need to focus more veteran suicide-prevention efforts on those who have substance use disorders, especially if they also have depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety. The new findings come from one of the largest-ever examinations of substance use disorders and suicide, involving more ...