Increased veteran suicide risk is associated with drug and alcohol problems

The University of Michigan has reported there is an association between drug and alcohol problems and an increase in the risk for suicide in veterans. This is particularly true for veterans. It has been suggested that there should be greater suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Veterans who are dealing with drug or alcohol problems are greater than twice as likely to die via suicide than their comrades are. There is a five times higher rate of suicide among women veterans who suffer from substance abuse disorders. The most serious risks of suicide have been seen among those who abuse prescription sedative medicines, such as tranquilizers. 

This study has been published in the journal Addiction. It has been highlighted that substance use disorders may be significant markers for suicide risk. There are about twenty suicides a day by veterans, which is much higher than in the general population. In view of the finding that about 75 percent of veteran suicides in this study were associated with firearms, the researchers have also noted that firearm safety is vital in initiatives to lower veteran suicides. It seems these findings may also have implications for the civilian population.