New Suicide Prevention Training Video for Substance Abuse Treatment Providers (From SAMHSA)

Suicide is the leading cause of death among people who abuse alcohol and drugs, making suicide risk a problem that every frontline substance abuse counselor must be able to address. In collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA), the U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed a training video as a companion piece for SAMHSA’s TIP 50:

Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment. To view the DVD click on the following
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n2QZlheuzc

A moderator and three panel members discuss ways to manage and address suicidal thoughts and behaviors among individuals with substance abuse issues. Actors portray case scenarios that the panelists discuss. Although the video is designed for VA settings, the content is applicable to all settings.

This 75-minute video depicts and explains appropriate counseling methods, administrative support, and clinical supervision for substance abuse providers treating clients with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Special attention is given to risk factors, warning signs, and follow-up care.

The counseling sessions portrayed in the video employ the specific counseling techniques and the four-step process recommended by TIP 50. SAMHSA recommends that the video be used in conjunction with TIP 50. You can request a copy of the TIP through http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA09-4381.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) website, http://www.sprc.org/, supported by SAMHSA, features resources, news, and research articles related to preventing suicide and treating persons with suicidal behaviors. A September 2010 Webinar on TIP 50 can be accessed at:
http://www.sprc.org/traininginstitute/disc_series/disc_22.asp