Drug Related Suicides - Up for Men!

A recent study was released that showed a 55% increase in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide attempts for men aged 21-34 from 2005-2009.  The study was conducted by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). 

The study found that in 2005 there were 19,024 ER visits for drug-related suicide attempts among men 21 to 34. The number jumped to 29,407 visits in 2009.

Antidepressants increased over 155% among men aged 21 to 34, while suicide attempts involving anti-anxiety and insomnia medications increased by 93.4%.  In addition ER visits for suicide attempts among males 35 to 49 that involved narcotic pain relievers nearly doubled from 2005 to 2009 and these numbers almost tripled among men aged 50 and older.

In the last several years there have been several high-profile deaths in the media where the cause of death or injury is an accidental overdose, suicide attempt, or suicide, which at times may blur the lines between the two.

The growing problem of prescription drug abuse of painkillers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs and sleep aids. Because of the pervasiveness of the abuse the need for due diligence is imperative. According to Dr. Peter J. Delaney, the Director from SAMSHA who oversaw the study said that, "These drugs are effective, important treatments for pain, insomnia, and or depression, so we don't want to throw the baby out with bath water." Delaney said, "But we need to restrict access to prescription drugs, and keep them in safe, restricted places in homes." The latter helps prevent the medications from falling into the wrong hands.

Suicide warning signs in teens or adults who may be considering suicide:

• change in eating and sleeping habits
• withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
• violent or rebellious behavior, running away
• drug and alcohol use
• unusual neglect of personal appearance
• persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
• frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
• not tolerating praise or rewards

 Be alert to suicide warning signs such as those detailed above. If you see these signs, try to get the person help and if you believe them to be a danger to themselves, call 9-1-1. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-TALK.