Social support as protective factor for suicidal ideation during treatment for substance abuse: Differential effects across treatment modalities

Substance abuse treatment constitutes a period of increased risk for suicide. It is unclear if social support during treatment influences suicide risk during treatment, or how this is characterized across different treatment modalities. The present study involved secondary analyses of the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study, a large, longitudinal multi-site study conducted from 1991 to 1994 that involved interviews with patients at various treatment programs reporting on experiences while receiving substance abuse treatment. Data from people in inpatient (n = 2530) and outpatient treatment (n = 2568) programs were analyzed to determine the extent that various indicators of social support influenced odds of having suicidal ideation during treatment. Across both treatment modalities, ongoing interpersonal problems and patient perception of their performance in relationships significantly predicted odds of suicidal ideation one month into treatment. Contact with one's social support system during treatment only significantly decreased odds of suicidal ideation for inpatients. Relationship status did not significantly influence odds of suicidal ideation in either group. Overall, social support appears to be associated with decreased risk for suicidal ideation during substance abuse treatment, and certain indicators of social support may be especially important for specific treatment modalities.