Preventing Suicide in People with Opioid Use Disorder-Presentation and q&a

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar featured Dr. Hilary Connery speaking on the topic of preventing suicide in individuals with opioid use disorder. The webinar was sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center in collaboration with the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Connery, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, discussed various aspects related to suicide and opioid use disorder. She highlighted the elevated risk of suicide in individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those with alcohol and opioid use disorders. Dr. Connery emphasized the importance of understanding the thoughts and behaviors associated with suicide in this population, such as the presence of suicidal intent and the factors that can contribute to an increased risk, such as substance intoxication, impulsive behaviors, and co-occurring mental health disorders. She also discussed the role of medication-assisted treatments like buprenorphine and methadone in reducing suicide risk, as well as the importance of safety planning in suicide prevention. Dr. Connery provided resources for further training and highlighted the need to empower community stakeholders to recognize and address suicide risk. Overall, the webinar provided valuable insights into the intersection of suicide and opioid use disorder and discussed strategies for preventing suicide in this population.

Keywords

webinar

Dr. Hilary Connery

preventing suicide

opioid use disorder

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

American Psychiatric Association

substance use disorders

suicidal intent

medication-assisted treatments