Background+Information

Background Information on Heroin and Suicide Rates
Suicide attempts represent a major health problem in opioid-dependent subjects: about half of opioid-dependent subjects in a maintenance treatment program had attempted suicide in the past. (Tremeau et al., 2008) It was also noted by Darke and Ross (2002) (as cited by Tremeau et al., 2008) that the prevalence of suicide attempts in opioid addicts far exceeds the prevalence of suicide attempts in the general population. This presents a concern for health care providers, who should be aware of the added precaution one should take when dealing with the opioid dependent population.

"Results show that 88% of this sample of heroin-dependent patients has repeatedly carried out self injurious behaviors." (Perez de los Cabos et al., 2009) This tells us that a very significant portion of the population of heroin-dependent users have feelings that are leading them to injure themselves intentionally. Kalyoncu et al. (2007) reported that studies have consistently shown that between a quarter and a third of heroin users meet the criteria for a lifetime diagnosis of major depression. This presents another problem; that of comorbidity. Dual diagnosis complicates the situation even further by layering problems. Since division of the two issues remains nearly impossible at the present time, health care professionals must be educated in the warning signs of suicide as well as drug use in high-risk populations. Practitioners often are able to detect some level of suicidal intention but only if the patient makes it known or they have already had previous suicide attempts. Looking at the characteristics of an individual who would be labeled 'high-risk,' efforts should be made to reach out to those who may be experiencing strong, negative stressors in their lives to ensure their safety and well-being.

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