Suicide ideation among young people in outpatient alcohol and other drug treatment

Suicide-related behaviours are common in people with substance use disorders. However, there has been limited research focused on young people (25 years and younger) and among people presenting to alcohol and other drug (AOD) outpatient treatment.

The study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates associated with recent suicide ideation in young people presenting to outpatient AOD treatment. Factors associated with greater treatment attendance in young people with recent suicide ideation were also explored.

The study utilises routinely collected administrative, treatment, and service data, as well as baseline patient-reported outcome measures, from a large Australian non-government organisation AOD treatment provider from November 2, 2020, to April 30, 2024. Item nine of the Patient Health Questionnaire was used to identify any recent suicide ideation.

Among young people enrolling in treatment (N = 3461), the prevalence of recent suicide ideation was 37.1% (95% CI 35.5-38.7%). Young people with recent suicide ideation had greater alcohol use severity, depression, anxiety and PTSD, and other psychosocial factors such as loneliness and chronic pain. Young people with recent suicide ideation had greater treatment engagement, although they were also more likely to have an unplanned exit from treatment. An unplanned exit was more likely among older clients and those engaged in recent violent behaviour, and less likely among those studying/working.

It is important to screen and monitor for suicide-related behaviours in young people attending outpatient AOD treatment. Future research focused on designing interventions for substance use and suicide-related behaviours in young people, delivered in the fewest possible sessions, is warranted.