Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people and the risks are even higher if that young person is male, indigenous, living in a rural or remote area or questioning their sexual identity.

The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics report that in 2011, suicide accounted for 23.4% of deaths (a total of 115 deaths) among 15-19 year olds and 27% of deaths (206 deaths) among 20-24 year olds.

The risk factors for suicide read like a roll call of issues commonly faced by young people accessing AOD treatment. Mental illness, problematic alcohol or drug use, unstable family dynamics, a history of abuse & homelessness, the list goes on.

The risk factors for suicide read like a roll call of issues commonly faced by young people accessing AOD treatment

Adding to this important precipitating events such as loss of a job, bullying at school, relationship break up

or trouble with the law the likelihood of Youth AOD workers supporting a young person experiencing suicidal intent is incredibly high.

The Youth AOD Toolbox has released a comprehensive and easy to read Suicide Module. It complements the Self Injury Module and provides Youth AOD workers with the most up to date information to help identify risks and talk about suicide and ultimately save lives.