The Link Between Substance Use in Veterans and Suicide Rates N600

Course Summary

Alcohol and drug misuse are linked to suicidal behaviors in veterans, even without depression. Binge drinking, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and cannabis use increase suicidal thoughts and plans. For female veterans, AUD and daily smoking/vaping are associated with higher risks of suicide planning and ideation. Regular binge drinking and frequent cannabis use are particularly linked to higher risks of developing suicide plans and suicidal ideation. The connection between substance misuse and suicide attempts was mainly seen in individuals without co-occurring depression. More research is needed to confirm if substance misuse directly predicts the transition from suicidal thoughts to attempts.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Understanding Substance Use Risk as a Suicide Risk Factor
  • Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service Members
  • Suicidality Measures and Documentation
• History of Substance Use and Sociodemographics
• Outcomes of STARRS-LS Study
• Key Takeaway Points

Authors

Susan Depasquale, MA, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Susan DePasquale is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her current practice is with families, youth and adults who have mental illnesses in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including telepsychiatry for Montana, Washington and Wisconsin communities. She completed her Masters of Art in Political Science at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Masters of Science in Nursing at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington with a focus in neurogastroenterology and the Post-Masters of Science in Nursing at the Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana with a focus in psychiatry. She has worked with small and rural healthcare teams in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, Canada, and in teaching and research hospitals such as Providence Health and Virginia Mason Medical Center Digestive and Liver Disease Departments in Seattle. Since 2012, she has been actively involved in online continuing education program development for nurses and health teams.

William Cook, PhD

William Cook, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who worked for 15 years in private practice in Montana before leaving his practice to work full time as the Director of CE4Less. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and focused much of his psychology practice in the area of child and family counseling, as well as psychological testing. Dr. Cook likes new challenges, foreign traveling to Africa and areas of Europe and the near East, scuba diving, running, music, and spending time with his family.