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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2015, 17, 1 (pages: 51 - 64)

Experts beliefs on suicide among illicit drug users

Lovrecic M., Lovrecic B., and Dernovsek M.Z.

Summary: Background and aims: Both data and studies have documented high rates of suicide in Slovenia. More specifically, suicide accounts for a considerable share of premature deaths in illicit drug users, where heroin addicts predominate. The analysis of national data on suicide among illicit drug users in Slovenia revealed several differences in suicide behaviours between the general population and the illicit drug user population. The aim of this study has been to find out the opinions of a group of psychiatrists about the calculated results and the indicators used in analysis. Methods: The national data on suicide among illicit drug users were analysed and presented to a focus group. Focus group methodology was used. Results: The psychiatrists in the group showed little awareness of Slovenian data on suicide and of the differences between data that refer to the general population and those referring to the illicit drug use population. Conclusions: Those psychiatrists expressed interest in being updated on the periodic analysis of these data and indicators, so that they would be able to use them in everyday clinical practice. Specific suicide prevention programmes tailored to the needs of illicit drug users, especially heroin addicts, should be developed after reviewing the results of both quantitative and qualitative research.