CPM-10 - Living on the Edge: Pain, Substance Use Disorders and Suicide

The prevalence of suicidal ideation in patients with chronic non cancer pain is significant, ranging from 20 % to over 50 % and it has been estimated that 40% of patients seeking treatment for substance use disorders report a history of suicide attempts. Individuals coping with both pain and co-morbid substance use disorder are highly susceptible to the risk of suicide. The objective of this presentation is to provide much needed clinical knowledge on the risk factors for and risk mitigation of suicide in the very vulnerable patient populations of chronic pain and substance use disorders which is typically lacking in traditional educational offerings. Given the high risk of suicide in patients suffering from pain, health care providers should be cognizant of this silent epidemic and have a plan of action if a patient is either at high risk of suicide or verbalizes a wish to die which would directly effect patient care and outcomes. The audience will be able to leave this presentation with a clear understanding of the risk factors for suicide in these patient populations and specific treatment strategies to reduce these risks.