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Youth Suicide & Drugs Theory & Overview. Drugs have function Chemical effects Connection between drug use & suicide Categories & functions of self-harm & suicidal behaviours What’s being done. Youth Suicide & Drugs Drugs are Functional. Fun, experimentation, ‘peak seekers’ Coping
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Youth Suicide & DrugsTheory & Overview • Drugs have function • Chemical effects • Connection betweendrug use & suicide • Categories & functions ofself-harm & suicidal behaviours • What’s being done
Youth Suicide & DrugsDrugs are Functional • Fun, experimentation, ‘peak seekers’ • Coping • ‘Trough avoiders’ (occasional/lots) • Developmental maturity delayed • Image, prestige & reputation (power) • Social Functioning • Self-medication • depression, ADHD, psychosis • Other (eg financial, vocational…) • Life-line (note risk factors)
Youth Suicide & DrugsChemical Effects • Depressants • Alcohol, Heroin, (Tranquillisers), Solvents • Mixing • Anti-depressants • Withdrawal & rebound effects • stimulants & depressants • Cannabis • anti-depressant ?? • Rebound effects
Youth Suicide & DrugsConnection Between Drugs & Suicide • Method of suicide • ‘Dutch courage’: impulse control • Drugs as primary method • Addiction problems • Stuck, Withdrawal, -ve Cycle, ‘hopeless’ • Drug problems (4Ls - lack of success) • health (psychological & physical) • relationships (family, lover & friends) • accommodation, financial, vocation education & recreation • legal
Youth Suicide & DrugsCategories of Risk, Self-harm, Suicide • Meaning & function behind suicide • Overt suicidal ideation &/or behaviour • end life; escape pain & probs; get even • Self-harm • express pain, release, attention (eg solvents) • I don’t care about life risk-taking • avoid decision, careless • I don’t acknowledge the risks: alcohol & tobacco • I do care about life risk-taking • accidental death/skill in taking risks
Youth Suicide & DrugsNo Fear “We take these risks Not to escape life But to prevent life Escaping us”
Youth Suicide & DrugsWhat’s being done • WA Suicide Prevention Strategy(Youth Suicide Advisory Committee) • promote well-being • early identification & help • crisis support & treatment • support after suicide • research
Youth Suicide & DrugsRisk Factors Young people with: • Previous suicide attempt • Substance use • Justice system • Mental illness • Rural & remote (male) • Aboriginal • Gay men & women • Young men
Youth Suicide & DrugsProtective Factors • Social Factors • Supportive & caring network offamily & friends • Healthy physical environment • Positive school experience • Communitysupport available • Personal Resources • Social identity & belonging • Self-worth • Decision making, prob solv & life skills • Positive view of future
Youth Suicide & DrugsWhat’s being done • Holistic Approach • Involve everybody (gov, non-gov, business, ldag, - drug minister & WADASO, Health policy unit) • SDEP & “In Touch” • Practice Development Project - CBS & FCS, Youth, Aboriginal & Prison Sectors • Best Practice Manual for drug workers • (screening, risk factors, intervention)
Youth Suicide & DrugsWhat’s being done • Intensive Support Program Inter-agency case management • Diversion programs • State solvent abuse plan • Parent programs • GP support program • Doctor-shopping program • Sports Partnerships • Grief groups • My Dream - Child to Child program
Youth Suicide & DrugsSummary • Drugs are functional - know what the function is & cater for it prior to & reducing drug • Different categories of suicide • Consider chemical effects • Routinely screen for • Drug Issues • Suicidal behaviour (policy/best practice) • Risk & protective factors • Supervision/consultation WEB http://go.to/dualdiagnosis