Young adults, men, and sexual minorities had highest risk of co-occurring suicidality and cannabis use disorder

What the researchers found

Men had twice the odds of co-occurring suicidal ideation and CUD (AOR=2.06). All older age groups had far lower odds than emerging adults (AORs 0.06-0.39). Black/African American adults had 4 times higher odds of co-occurring CUD and suicide attempts (AOR=4.05). Bisexual adults had over 3 times higher odds of co-occurring ideation and CUD (AOR=3.16). Native adults had over twice the odds (AOR=2.16).

Why it matters

Knowing which demographic groups carry the highest risk of co-occurring CUD and suicidality allows for targeted screening and prevention. The intersection of substance use and suicide risk is particularly dangerous, and certain groups are bearing a disproportionate burden.

The numbers in context

Men: AOR=2.06 for co-occurring ideation/CUD. Black/African American: AOR=4.05 for co-occurring attempts/CUD. Native: AOR=2.16 for ideation/CUD. Bisexual: AOR=3.16 for ideation/CUD. Gay/lesbian: AOR=2.04. Hispanic/Latinx: AOR=2.49 for attempts/CUD. Older groups: AOR=0.06-0.39 vs. emerging adults.

How the study worked

Combined five years (2015-2019) of NSDUH data. Multinomial logistic regressions tested demographic differences in odds of suicidality only, CUD only, and co-occurring CUD and suicidality. Controlled for survey year, major depressive episode, and other substance use disorders.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design. Self-reported CUD screening, not clinical diagnosis. Cannot determine temporal ordering. Some subgroup analyses may be underpowered. NSDUH excludes institutionalized and homeless populations.

How to read the evidence

Five years of nationally representative data with appropriate covariate adjustment. Strong for identifying demographic risk patterns.

When this study was published

2021 study analyzing 2015-2019 NSDUH data.

The bigger picture

The racial and sexual orientation disparities identified here likely reflect structural factors including discrimination, reduced access to mental healthcare, and minority stress. Addressing co-occurring CUD and suicidality requires culturally responsive approaches that account for these intersecting vulnerabilities.

Questions still open

• What drives the especially high risk among Black/African American adults for co-occurring CUD and suicide attempts? Would culturally tailored CUD treatment reduce suicidality in high-risk groups? Are these disparities widening or narrowing over time?

Common questions

Read the original research

Demographic risk factors for co-occurring suicidality and cannabis use disorders: Findings from a nationally representative United States sample.

Addictive behaviors, 122, 107047

Citation

Kelly, Lourah M; Drazdowski, Tess K; Livingston, Nicholas R; Zajac, Kristyn. (2021). Demographic risk factors for co-occurring suicidality and cannabis use disorders: Findings from a nationally representative United States sample.. Addictive behaviors, 122, 107047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107047

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