Demographic Inequalities in Substance Use and Suicidal Behavior Among U.S. Adults

• In Event: 1 Substance Use, Misuse and Addiction: A Roundtables Session

Abstract

Suicide remains a serious public health concern and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. A substantial body of research links substance use to elevated risks of suicidal ideation, attempts, and mortality. However, prior work often focuses on clinical sample, single substances, or does not fully account for demographic characteristics and depression. This study examines demographic inequalities in the association between substance use and suicidal behavior among U.S. adults using nationally representative data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The analysis includes adults aged 18 and older and incorporates complex survey weights. Two binary outcomes are examined—past-year suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. The study evaluates how varying levels and types of substance use, including alcohol, and marijuana use frequency as well as opioid misuse and stimulant use, are associated with these outcomes. Logistic regression models are estimated sequentially to assess whether these associations persist after adjusting for demographic characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, education) and major depressive episode (MDE). By simultaneously examining multiple substances, demographic inequalities, and depression within a population-based framework, this study advances understanding of the substance use–suicide relationship. It also provides evidence relevant for public health and policy interventions focused high-risk populations.

Author

• Mominul Haque