ORN Summer 2025 - Suicide and Overdose Risk in Opioid Use Disorder-2025-09-10 - Handout - ORN Summer 2025 - Hot Topics in Addiction Medicine

2025-09-10 - Handout - ORN Summer 2025 - Hot Topics in Addiction Medicine - Slides

Pdf Summary

The presentation by Dr. Max Spaderna (2025) from the Opioid Response Network addresses the intersection of suicide and overdose risk among individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). It highlights the dual crises of opioid misuse and suicide in the U.S., emphasizing the elevated suicide risk in OUD populations.<br /><br />Key points include:<br />- Suicide risk encompasses suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and completed suicides, with risk factors including biological, psychiatric (e.g., depression, psychosis), and social burdens (e.g., unstable housing, trauma).<br />- The neurobiology of opioids and the widespread presence of fentanyl in the drug supply intensify overdose risks.<br />- The study used the LOOP cohort, a 2-year prospective natural-history cohort of approximately 200 individuals with OUD from diverse treatment programs, assessing suicide risk via screening tools like the PHQ-9, ASQ, and CCSM.<br />- Suicide risk remained elevated and stable over one year; detection varied depending on the screening tool used.<br />- Suicide risk in OUD was associated with psychiatric illnesses, intentional opioid overdoses (ODs), childhood trauma, and other social vulnerabilities.<br />- Intentional opioid OD, reported in about 8% of individuals, intersects with suicide risk and correlates with higher depression severity and childhood abuse history.<br />- Substance use and psychiatric comorbidities differ between those with intentional OD, unintentional OD, and no OD, with those in the intentional OD group showing higher opioid use disorder scores and psychiatric symptom severity.<br />- Qualitative studies suggest many individuals who intentionally OD experience barriers to linkage and retention in care.<br />  <br />The Opioid Response Network (ORN), funded by SAMHSA, provides local technical assistance and evidence-based resources to help states, tribes, and organizations implement prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction strategies to combat the opioid and stimulant use crises. ORN offers education and expert consultation through regional specialists.<br /><br />This work underscores the urgent need for integrated suicide prevention and overdose risk management in OUD treatment, emphasizing improved screening, early intervention, and enhanced access to care for vulnerable populations.

Keywords

Opioid Use Disorder

Suicide Risk

Overdose

Fentanyl

LOOP Cohort

Screening Tools

Psychiatric Comorbidities

Intentional Opioid Overdose

Childhood Trauma

Opioid Response Network