Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention: Evidence and Implications. A White Paper

摘要

Almost a decade ago, then-Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, issued a Call to Action to Prevent Suicide (1999) as the first step toward adoption of a National Strategy on Suicide Prevention and the acknowledgement of suicide as an issue of public health concern and for national action. Recognizing that each year, over 30,000 individuals of all ages, races and ethnicities lose their lives by suicide in the U.S., Dr. Satcher observed that the 'difference between knowing and doing can be fatal.' Pointing out that '...even the most well considered plan accomplishes nothing if it is not implemented,' he urged action to advance the Report's 15 key recommendations focused on awareness, intervention and methodology. The Call to Action called for the implementation of strategies to reduce the stigma associated not only with suicidal behavior and mental illnesses, but also with substance abuse disorders. It urged that resources be enhanced for suicide prevention programs and for mental and substance abuse disorder assessment and treatment. Moreover, it recommended that health care provider capacity be enhanced to better recognize and either refer or treat depression, substance abuse and other major mental illnesses associated with suicide risk.