Suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts and the use of psychoactive substances by adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Suicidal behavior and substance abuse constitute a serious public health problem. Aim: The study was to analyze the relationships between suicidal behaviors (ideation, plans, attempts) and substance abuse in adolescents. The authors also took into account the respondents’ motivation to attempt suicide and use psychoactive substances, as well as some demographic variables. Participants: The study involved 3493 secondary school students aged 16-17 years. The group included 69.41% girls and 30.59% boys. Methods: The participants were surveyed with a self-report questionnaire designed by one of the authors. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the respondents’ suicidal behaviors and the risky use of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, and designer drugs. Conclusions: 1. The use of psychoactive substances increases the risk of suicidal ideation and plans, as well as suicidal attempts in adolescents and young adults. 2. Significantly more respondents who report suicidal ideation, plans and attempts, in comparison to those who do not report such thoughts and behaviours, abuse alcohol and consumer cannabis, amphetamine and designer drugs to cope with problems and olster self-confidence. 3. In the group of respondents who report suicidal behaviour, psychoactive substances are consumed by significantly more men than women and by significantly more city inhabitants than people living in the country. 4. Young people, who report suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, are initiated into alcohol consumption at an earlier age than their non-suicidal peers.