The Deadly Connection Between the Opioid Crisis and Suicide
Very few people realize the deadly connection between the opioid crisis and suicide. In a recent study published in The Journal of Preventive Medicine, Dr. Brett R. Harris illuminates this devastating connection. Closely linked to opioid overdoses, the suicide rate for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) is staggeringly high. As aseasoned professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behavior at the University of Albany, Dr. Harris compiles the latest data and government directives. Thus, he reveal a greater need for suicide prevention applications on the OUD front lines.
As a nonprofit provider of mental health services, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and medical clinics, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) is well aware of this connection. There is no doubt that despair and mental illness hide behind the dark veil of substance use disorder. Thus, when people addicted to hardcore opioids cannot get their fix, suicide feels like a viable alternative.
As a direct result, TTC adopts an integrated care model that treats the whole person and not just the condition. Hence, mental health services and support are provided to SUD patients in need of that help. Moreover, MAT (medication for addiction treatment) is a significant part of TTC’s treatment protocols for opioid use disorder. As a forerunner of providing MAT services in California, TTC believes a workable transition from opioid addiction to sustainable recovery is necessary.
Despair Fueling the Opioid Crisis and Suicide
When you look at the statistics regarding suicide among opioid users, the statistics are startling. In the general population, the suicide rate is about 14 suicides per 100,000 people. However, for those with opioid use disorder, the suicide rate is a staggering 87 suicides per 1000,000 people.
In response, the Surgeon General declares that suicide prevention is a priority. Hence, suicide prevention on the front lines of the OUD crisis will help to maintain safety standards. Thus, suicide prevention needs to be a part of primary care and emergency departments.
Suicide Prevention in Primary Care Settings
Why primary care and emergency departments as opposed to SUD treatment centers and mental health facilities? For SUD treatment centers and mental health facilities, suicide prevention is already a priority and has been for some time. In contrast, primary care and emergency departments tend to focus on medical issues happening in the moment and not on prevention techniques. Since they are now the front lines battling a torrent of overdoses, there needs to be a link between the opioid crisis and suicide prevention. Thus, new essential elements of the overdose front line now include suicide screening, brief interventions, and follow-upstrategies beyond medical triage.
Indeed, Dr. Harris highlights this link when he concludes in his detailed study, “Making these changes at a systems level is challenging. According to the Zero Suicide model, it requires a commitment from leadership that suicide prevention be the responsibility of the entire organization. This commitment starts with a decision to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention, an assessment of staff needs, and provision of training and support. Last, it requires integrating suicide care into routine practice, regular clinical supervision, refresher training, and tracking service delivery to monitor. Done effectively, this will help save countless lives.”
Opioid Crisis and Suicide Prevention = A Routine Practice
Without any argument, it makes sense that the integration of suicide prevention techniques on the front lines of the opioid crisis needs to be a routine practice. For example, every patient that overdoses should be given a suicide prevention resource packet that includes the contact information of more than just rehabs and recovery programs. Instead, suicide prevention hotlines and the crisis text line are critical as well.
Moreover, if they screen positive for suicidality, then the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) becomes a priority.In a brief intervention, the SPI identifies warning signs, internal coping strategies while designatingindividualsthey can socialize with to distract them from a crisis and individualsthey can contact to help them resolve a crisis. Moreover, the SPI outlines concrete ways to help a patient reduce their access to lethal means.
Given the nature of the opioid crisis, primary care and emergency departments are the front lines of the battle. Hence, opinions about what they do or what they are supposed to be doing do not matter. Instead, what matters is adopting an integrated care model that connects the opioid crisis and suicide prevention. Whenever a patient is saved from an opioid overdose, implementing suicide prevention strategies is a priority today and will be a priority moving forward as well.