Understanding Suicide and Addiction

Part of Hazelden’s Co-occurring Disorders Series
Revised Edition
Authors: Patricia Owen, PhD

This brief, easy-to-read pamphlet provides information on a variety of topics related to suicide and addiction, treatment, and recovery.

Excerpt:
“The rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors are significantly higher among individuals with a mental disorder, addiction, or both.

For example, the risk of death by suicide is twenty times higher among individuals with major depression or sedative drug dependence than that of the general population.  The rate is also much among those with schizophrenia compared to the general population.”