Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in Substance Abuse Treatment

Flashcards of key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes.

ACCSA

Addiction Counselor Certifications South Africa Pty (Ltd)

GATE

A four-step process for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviours in substance abuse treatment, summarized by the acronym (Gather information, Access supervision, Take responsible action, and Extend the action).

Suicidal ideation

Much more common than suicidal behaviour. Lies on a continuum of severity from fleeting and vague thoughts of death to those that are persistent and highly specific.

Suicide plans

Signal more serious risk to carry out suicidal behaviour than suicidal ideation that does not involve planning. Lies on a continuum from vague and unrealistic plans to those that are highly specific and feasible.

Suicide attempt

A deliberate act of self-harm that does not result in death and that has at least some intent to die.

Suicidal intention

Signals high, acute risk for suicidal behaviour. Signals that the client intends to make a suicide attempt.

Suicide preparation

Behaviours that suggest preparation signal high, acute risk for suicidal behaviour.

NSSI

Non-suicidal self-injury; self-mutilation or self-injury by cutting for the purpose of self-soothing with no wish to die and no expectation of dying. Distinguished from a suicide attempt or suicide because NSSI does not include suicidal intent.

Self-destructive behaviours

Behaviours that are repeated and may eventually lead to death (e.g., drug abuse, smoking, anorexia, pattern of reckless driving, getting into fights); distinguished from suicidal behaviour because an act of suicide is an acute action intended to bring on death in the short term.

Warning signs for suicide

Acute indications of elevated risk. Signal potential risk for suicidal behaviour in the near future. May be evident at intake or may arise during the course of treatment. Always require asking follow-up questions.

Risk factors for suicide

Indicators of long-term (or ongoing) risk. Different from warning signs, which signal immediate risk.

Protective factors

Buffers that lower long-term risk. Unlike risk factors, factors that are protective against suicidal behaviour are not well researched.

IS PATH WARM

Mnemonic for indirect warning signs for suicide: Ideation, Substance Abuse, Purposelessness, Anxiety, Trapped, Hopelessness, Withdrawal, Anger, Recklessness, Mood Changes

Competencies

Capabilities that result in a short list of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes you need to be able to effectively work with people in substance abuse treatment who are suicidal or have a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviours