Epidemiological evidence on the link between drug use and suicidal behaviors among adolescents.

Abstract

Depression, substance abuse, and aggressive behavior disorders have shown to be among the most influential risk factors for suicide in community and clinical studies of adolescents and adults. Increasing evidence suggests that adolescents who use and abuse alcohol and drugs are at increased risk for suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, and completed suicide, although conclusive evidence has not yet been presented suggesting that drug use causes suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This paper reviews existing epidemiological evidence on the link between the use of more commonly used drugs among adolescents (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and inhalants) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.