Substance Abuse and Suicide, Essay Example

Section 1

Substance abuse and its relationship to suicide is significant because it demonstrates the impact of abusing substances on the tendency of some individuals to attempt or commit suicide. It is necessary to address the risks associated with suicide for those who abuse drugs or alcohol because this issue is highly prevalent and continues to be a significant factor in the development of new perspectives and approaches to managing depression and other disorders that may lead to substance abuse and subsequent suicide. It is believed that after depression and mood disorders, substance abuse is the most important risk factor associated with suicide (Clay, 2009); therefore, it is necessary to address the importance of this issue and its impact on suicide, and the prevention efforts that are available to reduce the risks associated with this problem. Recent statistics demonstrate that substance abuse is a problem across all cultures, races, and ethnicities, with an estimated 22 million people with this problem, while only 273,000 have sought treatment for this condition (HealthyPeople.gov, 2013). Substance abuse involving prescription drugs has increased dramatically in recent years and continues to be a prominent influence on substance abuse for many Americans (HealthyPeople.gov, 2013).

Section 2

The prevention of substance abuse and possible suicide is one of the key factors associated with health education and related outcomes. Health education promotion must promote outreach to many different population groups, such as teenagers, in order to achieve successful results (SAMHSA, 2011). Therefore, the proposed educational outcomes must include 1) target programs for today’s youth to spread the word regarding substance abuse and its negative consequences, such as suicide; and 2) provide education programs for at-risk groups, such as the unemployed, lower income individuals and families, and those with a history of substance abuse in their environments. Each of these groups faces critical challenges that must be addressed in a targeted and responsible manner in order to support these individuals who are at risk for this condition. The outcomes of this strategy will encourage those individuals with this problem to seek treatment, while others at risk will be educated regarding the impact of substance abuse on their own lives.

Section 3

A proposed health education plan must incorporate different ideas and concepts in order to promote effective outcomes for those at risk of substance abuse and possible suicide. The health education plan must utilize proven techniques that will target the designated groups in different ways, such as education programs in junior high and high schools in order to accomplish these tasks. It is expected that these programs will provide specific examples of real-life situations involving substance abuse and suicide, but will do so in a manner that is sensitive to the subject and its impact on at risk populations. Statistics regarding suicide and its link to substance abuse should be provided to demonstrate the impact of this issue on different populations and should also identify the specific criteria of persons who are at a high risk of suicide (Ilgen and Kleinberg, 2011). The health education plan should take place in junior high and high schools and should require mandatory attendance in order to capture the attention of this vulnerable population group to provide insight into this serious issue.

Section 4

Implementing the proposed health education plan for teens is perhaps the most critical component of this practice because it reflects a necessity to create an environment that provides teens with the tools to consider their own risks associated with substance abuse and suicide. Implementation should include the development of specific factors that will enable teens to think about their own behaviors and if they are indicative of substance abuse, possible depression or other mood disorders, and suicide. In order to reach this population group more effectively, it is necessary to promote specific high profile examples of other teens and young adults who have experienced these conditions that have led to suicide. These examples might be considered harsh, but they provide a realistic interpretation of these circumstances and are critical to the success of the implementation effort. In addition, the use of technology-based tools, such as computers, smartphones, and social networking are likely to be effective in supporting the objectives of the program and its impact on the population in question.

Section 5

Finally, an evaluation of this education plan must be developed as a means of supporting the creation of new ideas and opportunities in order to accomplish the desired objectives. Teenagers should provide evaluations of the health education program in an effort to produce successful results and to demonstrate the long-term impact of this issue on their lives. These factors are critical in providing feedback that may lead to changes in the content of the program as necessary and in supporting other factors that may contribute to programmatic success. It is important to utilize this feedback and take it seriously as a means of promoting new ideas and outcomes that will effectively promote the health education effort and its potential outcomes. The intent of this program is to reach as many teens as possible with the messages that are being provided; however, it is unrealistic to expect that large groups of teens will embrace these ideals. Therefore, if a few teens get the message and take steps to either change their current behaviors and seek help or to refrain from future behaviors that may lead to these circumstances, then the program is likely to be a success.

References

Clay, R.A. (2009). Substance abuse & suicide: white paper explores connection. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/samhsanewsletter/Volume_17_Number_1/SubstanceAbuseAndSuicide.aspx

HealthyPeople.gov (2013). Substance abuse. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=40

Ilgen, M., and Kleinberg, F. (2011). The link between substance abuse, violence and suicide. Psychiatric Times, 28(1), retrieved from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/suicide/content/article/10168/1780669

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2011). Leading change: a plan for SAMHSA’s roles and actions, 2011-2014. Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA11-4629/01-FullDocument.pdf