Tomas D. Matos, MS¹, Rafaela R. Robles, EdD², Juan C. Reyes, EdD², C. Amalia Marrero, MPH², and José M. Calderón, MS¹. (1) Center for Addiction Studies, Universidad Central del Caribe, PO Box 60327, Bayamon, PR 00960-6032, 787-288-0200, tmatos@uccaribe.edu, (2) Center for Addiction Studies, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, PO Box 60327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between suicide attempts and alcohol disorder among a sample of drug users. METHODS: A total of 400 IDU’s were interviewed during May 2002 – June 2003 period. Alcohol dependence/abuse diagnose were obtained with CIDI scale and the score of depressive symptoms with the CES-D scale. RESULTS: Of 400 IDU’s studied, 23.0% (n=92) had attempted suicide and 15.5% (n= 62) show a diagnosis of alcohol dependence/abuse. In the univariate analysis the variables associated with suicide attempts were gender (female: 43.8%), age (> 30 years: 27.0%), marital status (married: 37.5%), share needle (share a used needle: 29.7%), had a paid sex partner (yes: 40.4%), report of previous drug treatment (yes: 26.6%), CESD score (> 16: 27.1%) and diagnosis of alcohol dependence/abuse (yes: 37.1%). Multivariate analysis shows that suicide attempters were significantly more likely to be female (OR= 2.2, p=.040), to be married (OR= 2.5, p=.050), had history of drug treatment (OR= 2.7, p=.016), to have higher depressive symptoms (OR=5.9, p=.005) and to have a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence (OR=2.6, p=.004). CONCLUSIONS: Alcoholism was significantly associated with suicide attempts among drug users. Also those with previous drug treatment experience have the same pattern. The need of an assessment under drug treatment that combines the risk of these behaviors was suggested.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the problem of alcohol dependence/abuse and suicide attempts among drug users
• Identify the factors associated with suicide attempts among drug users.
• Develop a model of drug treatment that accounts the co-morbidity of alcohol and depression.

Keywords: Alcohol Problems, Suicide

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.