Suicide is a significant public health problem in the United States and remains the second leading cause of death among high school teens 14 to 18 years. Between 2009 and 2018, suicide rates for those 14 to 18 years old increased by 61.7%, from 6.0 to 9.7 per 100,000. In addition to deaths by suicide, there are many more who make a suicide attempts or struggle with suicidal ideation. Misuse of alcohol and drugs significantly increases the risk of suicidal behavior in adolescents.

In this 90 minute presentation, Dr. Spirito will overview the role of substance use in adolescent suicidal behaviors. He will describe the core treatment techniques for suicidal adolescents that cut across evidence-based practices with the strongest data, including those that integrate substance use treatment strategies for suicidal adolescents and their parents/caregivers.