TIP 50: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment

Research consistently shows a high prevalence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among persons with substance abuse problems who are in treatment. TIP 50, Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment is designed to assist substance abuse counselors in working with adult clents who may be suicidal, and will help clinical supervisors and administrators support the work of substance abuse counselors. Part I, for counselors, provides the "what" and the "why" and the "how" of working with clients in substance abuse treatment with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It covers background information about suicide and substance use disorders, including risk factors and warning signs for suicide and a four-step process for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Part 2, for administrators, clarifies why program administrators should be concerned about this clinical issue. Part 3 is for clinical supervisors, interested counselors, and administrators and consists of three sections: an analysis of the available literature, an annotated bibliography and a general bibliography. Part 3 is available only on line at www.kap.samhsa.gov.