NCJ Number
198393
Date Published
July 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This bulletin examines substance use and the risk of suicide among youths.
Abstract
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse asked youths aged 12 to 17 whether they had thought seriously about killing themselves or tried to kill themselves during the 12 months before the survey interview. Youths who thought about or tried to kill themselves during the preceding year were considered to be at risk for suicide. Respondents were also queried about their use of alcohol and illicit drugs during the preceding 12 months. Youths were also asked whether they had received treatment or counseling services during the past year for emotional or behavioral problems that were not caused by alcohol or drugs and to identify reasons for the last time they received these services. The major findings included: in 2000, approximately 3 million youths were at risk for suicide; youths who reported past year alcohol or illicit drug use were more likely than youths who did not use these substances to be at risk for suicide; and only 36 percent of youths at risk for suicide during the preceding year received mental health treatment or counseling. Notes, table, figures