Suicide Risk among Patients with Substance Use Disorders, A Cross Sectional Study In Suez Canal Area Hospitals

Abstract Background: Substance Use Disorders are serious health issues that have been linked to numerous clinical correlations and mental health comorbidities. One of the most important health dangers linked to substance addiction was suicide. The current study aims to investigate the phenomena using a bio-psycho-social framework. The aim was to investigate the risk of suicide in a sample of substance use disorders patients. A case control comparison was performed between 190 substance abusers versus 30 controls. Addiction Severity Index, Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale, Arab Religiosity Scale, Socioeconomic Status Scale, as well as multiple historical variables, have been investigated. Results: Suicidality was prevalent among alcohol and opioids abusers, poly substance abusers, those with a family history of suicide, and those with a history of a previous attempt. Having a positive family history of suicide could predict an 8.3 point rise in Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale score, while having any previous attempt of suicide could predict 9.04 point rise in Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale score. Suicidality scores correlated with Addiction Severity Index scores, and indirectly with socioeconomic status and Religiosity. Combinations of drugs with other mental illness showed a significant predictive effect on suicidality score. Conclusion: Suicidality is expected among substance abusers, and is affected by multiple bio-psycho-social variables.