DRUGnet Drug Management Drugs have function Chemical effects Connection between drug use & suicide Categories & functions of self-harm & suicidal behaviours What’s being done Youth Suicide & Drugs Theory & Overview

DRUGnet Drug Management Fun, experimentation, ‘peak seekers’ Coping –‘Trough avoiders’ (occasional/lots) –Developmental maturity delayed Image, prestige & reputation (power) Social Functioning Self-medication –depression, ADHD, psychosis Other (eg financial, vocational…) Life-line (note risk factors) Youth Suicide & Drugs Drugs are Functional

DRUGnet Drug Management Depressants –Alcohol, Heroin, (Tranquillisers), Solvents –Mixing Anti-depressants Withdrawal & rebound effects –stimulants & depressants Cannabis –anti-depressant ?? –Rebound effects Youth Suicide & Drugs Chemical Effects

DRUGnet Drug Management Method of suicide –‘Dutch courage’: impulse control –Drugs as primary method Addiction problems –Stuck, Withdrawal, -ve Cycle, ‘hopeless’ Drug problems (4Ls - lack of success) –health (psychological & physical) –relationships (family, lover & friends) –accommodation, financial, vocation education & recreation –legal Youth Suicide & Drugs Connection Between Drugs & Suicide

DRUGnet Drug Management Meaning & function behind suicide Overt suicidal ideation &/or behaviour –end life; escape pain & probs; get even Self-harm –express pain, release, attention (eg solvents) I don’t care about life risk-taking –avoid decision, careless –I don’t acknowledge the risks: alcohol & tobacco I do care about life risk-taking –accidental death/skill in taking risks Youth Suicide & Drugs Categories of Risk, Self-harm, Suicide

DRUGnet Drug Management “We take these risks Not to escape life But to prevent life Escaping us” Youth Suicide & Drugs No Fear

DRUGnet Drug Management WA Suicide Prevention Strategy (Youth Suicide Advisory Committee) –promote well-being –early identification & help –crisis support & treatment –support after suicide –research Youth Suicide & Drugs What’s being done

DRUGnet Drug Management Previous suicide attempt Substance use Justice system Mental illness Rural & remote (male) Aboriginal Gay men & women Young men Youth Suicide & Drugs Risk Factors Young people with:

DRUGnet Drug Management Social Factors –Supportive & caring network of family & friends –Healthy physical environment –Positive school experience –Community support available Personal Resources –Social identity & belonging –Self-worth –Decision making, prob solv & life skills –Positive view of future Youth Suicide & Drugs Protective Factors

DRUGnet Drug Management Holistic Approach Involve everybody (gov, non-gov, business, ldag, - drug minister & WADASO, Health policy unit) SDEP & “In Touch” Practice Development Project - CBS & FCS, Youth, Aboriginal & Prison Sectors Best Practice Manual for drug workers –(screening, risk factors, intervention) Youth Suicide & Drugs What’s being done

DRUGnet Drug Management Intensive Support Program Inter- agency case management Diversion programs State solvent abuse plan Parent programs GP support program Doctor-shopping program Sports Partnerships Grief groups My Dream - Child to Child program Youth Suicide & Drugs What’s being done

DRUGnet Drug Management Drugs are functional - know what the function is & cater for it prior to & reducing drug Different categories of suicide Consider chemical effects Routinely screen for –Drug Issues –Suicidal behaviour (policy/best practice) Risk & protective factors Supervision/consultation WEB Youth Suicide & Drugs Summary