Suicidality among opioid addicts: 2.5 year follow-up

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 1988;14(3):357-69. doi: 10.3109/00952998809001557.

Abstract

During a 2.5-yr follow-up of 263 opioid addicts, suicidality was examined as a predictor of outcome and as an outcome to be predicted among initially nonsuicidal addicts. Suicidality predicted poor medical, psychosocial, and substance abuse outcomes, but fewer legal problems during follow-up. Among the 218 initially nonsuicidal opioid addicts, subsequent suicidality was not associated with a history of drug overdoses, and psychosocial factors predictive of future suicidality differed from factors associated with a history of overdoses. Factors associated with overdoses included alcoholism, poor social adjustment, and legal problems, while depression, neuroticism, and family problems predicted suicidality during the subsequent 2.5 yr.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Opioid-Related Disorders*
  • Prognosis
  • Sex Factors
  • Suicide, Attempted*