Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals
Substance use disorder treatment professionals make decisions every day about how to support individuals in care who may also be at risk of suicide. Suicide is a leading cause of death among people who misuse alcohol and drugs.
The AMSR for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals (AMSR-SUD) curriculum develops skills in the recognition, assessment, and management of suicide risk and the delivery of effective suicide-specific interventions.
"I have been working with substance use disorders for more than 19 years and this is the first training I've seen specific to substance use and suicide risk. I believe getting individuals working in the substance use field trained in AMSR-SUD will save lives.”
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR) teaches best practices recommended by the nation's leading experts in the research and delivery of suicide care.
We offer AMSR training based on the AMSR-SUD curriculum. These trainings are for professionals who offer any level of substance use treatment to individuals at risk for suicide.
ASMR-SUD Training is a full-day facilitated workshop offered in-person or online for clinical professionals seeking to improve their suicide care practice.
AMSR-SUD Training of Trainers is a two-day facilitated workshop offered in-person or online for qualified participants seeking to lead AMSR training at their place of work.
AMSR Cross-Training of Trainers is a two-day facilitated workshop offered in-person or online to cross-train current AMSR trainers in the AMSR-SUD curriculum
Substance Use Disorder and Suicide
Suicide and drug overdose deaths in the United States, regardless of age or race, have increased since 2001 and the rate of drug overdose death surpassed that of suicide in 2015 [1]. There are shared risk factors for suicide and substance abuse, including depression, trauma history, hopelessness, and impulsivity [2].
Research indicates that individuals who struggle with substance abuse disorders can also be at increased risk for suicide. For example, in one study, adults who abused opioids at least weekly were more likely to engage in suicide planning and attempts. [3] Since individuals who struggle with substance use disorders and substance misuse are at higher risk for suicide, professionals who provide substance use disorder treatment need the necessary knowledge and skills needed to talk with clients about suicide.
AMSR-SUD Training
AMSR-SUD training aims to provide participants with the background knowledge and practical skills that they need to address suicidal risk and behaviors in clients in care for substance use disorder treatment. Participants will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and apply practical skills in the five areas of AMSR competency.
The AMSR-SUD curriculum follows national guidelines for evidence-based practices.
- Guidelines
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- National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Recommended Standard Care for People with Suicide Risk: Making Healthcare Suicide Safe
- VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide
- The Joint Commission recommendations for compliance with NPSG 15.01.01 and Suicide Risk Recommendations from the Suicide Risk Reduction Expert Panel Suicide Prevention Portal
- National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Suicide Prevention and the Clinical Workforce: Guidelines for Training
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 50: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment
- National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Suicide Prevention and the Clinical Workforce: Guidelines for Training
- Citations
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[1] WISQARS (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System) Injury Center (2018). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html.
[2] SAMHSA. (2015) Results from The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. Sept. 8, 2016. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs-2015/NSDUH-DetTabs-2015/NSDUH-DetTabs-2015.pdf
[3] Ashrafioun L, Bishop TM, Conner KR, Pigeon WR. (2017) Frequency of prescription opioid misuse and suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. Journal of Psychiatry Research Sep; 92:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.03.011. Epub 2017 Mar 19.