• About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

Harris HouseHarris House
  • About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate
Teen sitting outside appearing sad

High School Students Who Abuse Opiates are More Likely to Attempt Suicide

July 30, 2021 Posted by Patrick Abuse, Addiction, Blog

Overview

Studies have long shown a link between substance abuse and the risk of suicide and attempted suicide during adolescence, and a new study confirms this link in high school students who abuse opioids.  A link between two behaviors does not necessarily show that one causes the other, but we know that substance abuse is a common coping mechanism used by teens who have other risk factors for suicide. Knowing that there is a link between two behaviors can help treatment professionals be more effective in helping teens who have these risk factors, including substance abuse.

 

Teen sitting outside appearing sad

A new study published in the journal “Pediatrics” showed that high school students who abuse prescription opioid medications are more likely to attempt suicide than their peers who don’t misuse opioids.

In the study, one of every three high school students who self-reported abusing opioids said they had also attempted suicide. This is an astonishingly high number and one that has implications for the treatment of opioid misuse in this age group.

Suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts were all higher for those currently abusing opioids, but they were also elevated for those who had abused opioids in the past, even if they are not currently doing so.

Risk Factors For Teen Suicide

Other risk factors for suicide among teens include the following:

  • Having a mental health disorder such as depression
  • Social isolation
  • Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
  • Child abuse or neglect
  • Bullying
  • Breakup of friendship or romantic relationship, or violence in relationships
  • Family or community history of suicide
  • Identifying as LGBTQ
Teen looking out a window in deep thought

The pandemic has only worsened teens’ risks for suicide.

Teens who have a number of risk factors are at higher risk for attempting suicide, and opioid abuse gives them a ready means to accomplish that goal. It is important for teens to get substance abuse treatment if they are misusing opioids and that their treatment plan includes addressing suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts as a major risk for this age group.

Teen Suicide: A Growing Problem

According to statistics, 6,200 people ages 10 to 24 died of suicide in 2017, the latest year available. Suicide was the second-highest cause of death in this age group and has risen 60 percent since 2007. Females were more likely to attempt suicide than males, but more males who attempted suicide actually died.

Additionally, there is some evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened some of the risk factors for teen suicide, like social isolation and child abuse or neglect. Most recently, the CDC reported that between April and October of 2020, teen mental health emergency room visits increased 31 percent over 2019 levels.

Getting treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders as well as community help and support for other suicide risk factors saves lives. If you or a loved one knows of a teen who is misusing opioids, Harris House can help.  Call us to learn about admissions and take the first step toward healing for you or someone you love.

Share
0

About Patrick

This author hasn't written their bio yet.
Patrick has contributed 16 entries to our website, so far.View entries by Patrick

    You also might be interested in

    Hope for Recovery is Alive!

    Apr 2, 2016

    There is always hope, and always an opportunity for you[...]

    Growing Gratitude in the Garden of Your Mind

    Apr 19, 2016

    You don’t have to pretend that negative things don’t exist.[...]

    How Trauma Affects the Brain

    Apr 11, 2016

    Psychological trauma occurs when it is not possible to process[...]

    Recent Posts

    • A Guide to Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Centers
    • What to Look for When Searching for the Right Rehab Facilities in St. Louis
    • The Benefits of a Holistic Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol Addiction – The Solution You’ve Been Searching For
    • What to Expect from Your 28-Day Residential Treatment Program
    • The Difference Between Intensive Inpatient Therapy (24-Hour Drug Rehab Centers) and Other Facilities

    Insurance Providers

    Substance use insurance coverage and benefits can be multifaceted and will vary with the different insurance companies and plans. The Harris House Insurance Department has experience working with insurance providers to get our clients the maximum benefits possible. Let our staff do the work for you. LEARN MORE

    Insurance Providers Insurance Providers Insurance Providers

    Credentialing Partners

    Harris House is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International). Harris House is also certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, approved by the Better Business Bureau as an A+ accredited charity and a proud member of United Way of Greater St. Louis. LEARN MORE

    DMH Carf BBB United Way

    Contact Us

    Let your recovery begin

    We're here to help.

    Please reach out with any questions

    CONTACT US

    314-631-4299

    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate

    Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

    Harris HouseHarris House
    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate
    About Us
    Treatments
    Resources
    Gallery
    Contact Us
    Donate

    For individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs, Harris House helps people achieve sobriety and become healthy and productive individuals. Since our founding in 1961, Harris House has grown to become a top-rated non-profit treatment center.

    CALL US TODAY

    314-631-4299

    2706 S. River Rd
    St. Charles, MO 63303

    8315 South Broadway
    St. Louis, MO 63111

    © 2023 HARRIS HOUSE FOUNDATION.

    Prev Next