Fatal overdoses and suicides are two of the most severe behavioral health outcomes. They are also growing more common. Suicide rates increased 41% nationally from 1999 to 2022, while fatal overdose rates increased 440%.1 Reducing fatal overdose and suicide is a top priority for the behavioral health field. Fortunately, suicide and overdose share many risk and protective factors. In fact, many interventions designed to address one outcome can simultaneously help address the other. Addiction treatment professionals can play a key role, as ongoing substance use is a shared risk factor for both outcomes.2
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