Discussion Participation

In order to earn full credit you need to answer each of the questions correctly and fully with substance making at least 1 reference in addition to the unit material, text, or other academic source, and meet the length requirement of 200-350 words minimum for your total response to questions. If two questions, the word count should be divided almost equally (no less than 200 words combined). Your responses should be clearly written and consist of original ideas rather than a recap of what others contribute. Avoid “great post”. If you agree, support your agreement in your own words. Do not repeat the questions!

Reminder: Review Weekly Discussion Participation and Grading Form & APA Style-Format. You may use subheadings and respond in a narrative format (paragraphs).

Discussion Question 1

Relationship between alcohol use and suicide: Here are two apparently contradictory statements: (1) Approximately 10% of persons with a substance use disorder eventually commit suicide, and (2) 40-60% of individuals who take their lives were intoxicated at the time of their deaths. Closer inspection will reveal part of the reason for this apparent discrepancy, however.

The first statement addressed the fact that approximately 10% of all persons with a substance use disorder will eventually (and regrettably) commit suicide. This includes persons with an opioid use disorder, persons with a CNS stimulant use disorder, etc. Many cases of substance-related suicides are impulsive acts, possibly induced (or at least exacerbated) by the effects of the chemicals. As will be discussed later in this text, the CNS stimulants are famous for inducing a deep state of depression in the abuser at times, and such depressive states might reach suicidal proportions. Other drugs of abuse might also induce depressive states that could reach suicidal proportions.

However, many of those persons who decide upon ending their lives will use alcohol to help them build up the courage to do so. Thus, 40-60% of those persons who end their lives are found to have alcohol in their systems at the time of the autopsy. While the subject of suicide makes many people uncomfortable, avoidance of an open and honest discussion of the topic only contributes both to the stigma associated with a person’s suicide, and makes those people who are contemplating such an act reluctant to seek assistance in avoiding death.[i]

Question 1: According to the literature, discuss other ways that substance use and suicide might be intertwined. (PLEASE FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FOR DISCUSSION LISTED ABOVE)