Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in substance-using latinos who are at-risk or positive for HIV presenting to residential substance abuse treatment

Background: Numerous studies point to the relationship between addiction, mental health, and suicide. However, few studies describe the relationship between suicidality in substance-using Latinos and the presence of severe mental health symptoms. Our exploratory study examines the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and the relationship between suicidality, acute mental health symptoms, and substance abuse. Methods: Data are presented from a sample of 354 HIV+ or at-risk Latino substance-using men and women presenting to residential substance abuse treatment. Statistical analyses describe lifetime history of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and the association with acute mental health symptomatology such as lifetime history of hearing voices, strong fears, feelings that people were against them, manic, panic, obsessive thoughts, and family and self-history of substance abuse. Results: 129 (36.4%) clients reported having suicidal ideation, and 101 (28.5%) attempted suicide at least once. Over one-third of clients reported hearing voices, having strong fears, feeling that people were against them, and obsessive thoughts. Almost half (49.6% and 42.7%) reported feelings of manic or panic. Bivariate analyses found lifetime history of family substance abuse (having a family member who abused alcohol, cocaine, or heroin) and personal history of cocaine and alcohol use were significantly associated with increased likelihood of suicidality. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Latino substance users demand interventions adapted to Latino populations with co-morbid acute mental health and substance use disorders. The severity of need in this population highlights the importance of further research.