No images? Click here
eNews special edition
Welcome to this special edition of Life in Mind eNews, which highlights a range of suicide prevention initiatives and research from around Australia focused on the influence of alcohol and other drug use (AOD) in suicide.
AOD use has been shown to significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and often presents in people who have died by suicide.
If you would like to share suicide prevention news, current initiatives or published research, please email lifeinmind@health.nsw.gov.au
Sector news
eCliPSE provides digital access to mental health care
A new digital initiative designed to provide immediate, 24/7 access to free, evidence-based clinical treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and trauma has been launched by the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), with support from Beyond Blue.
Q&A: Suicide co-occurring with alcohol and other drug useDr Nicole Lee is an Adjunct Professor at the National Drug Research Institute based at Curtin University, CEO of Hello Sunday Morning, CEO of 360Edge and a board member at The Loop Australia. In this Q&A, Dr Lee shares insights on mental health conditions and suicide co-occurring with alcohol and other drug use in Australia. |
Be Nice to Brain campaign supports alcohol reductionFARE’s Be Nice to Brain campaign encourages Tasmanians aged 25-44 to reduce or cut out alcohol for better mental health. Launched in November 2024, it provides resources on how alcohol affects mood, sleep, and anxiety, offering practical strategies for change. The campaign addresses an information gap and supports healthier choices. |
Corrections, AOD and suicidePeople entering prison are more likely to have a history of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and an increased risk of suicide. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation share what the evidence says about corrections, AOD and suicide. |
Q&A: Medicine restrictions for suicide preventionJessy Lim is an early career researcher at The University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. In this Q&A, Jessy shares her research on toxic medicines and suicide. |
Useful AOD-related resources
Mindframe Quick reference guide for public communication about alcohol and other drugs
The Power of Words - Have conversations about alcohol and other drugs: A quick guide
Orygen - Embedding substance use treatment approaches into mental health practice
Life in Mind - People with harmful use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD
Translated research studies
A translation of suicide prevention research on the Life in Mind portal
Suicide prevention and alcohol and other drug use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
This report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) highlights the relationship between alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and suicide experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It highlights the need for culturally responsive, community-led solutions, integrated policies, and long-term systemic change to reduce harm and strengthen suicide prevention efforts in Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities.
Image courtesy of AIHW: Data & Diversity. Created by Jay Hobbs Meriam-Mir and Kuku Yalanji man
Alcohol, suicide and COVID-19 in VictoriaResearchers examined data to determine the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol-related ambulance attendances involving mental health, suicide or self-harm by location and transport to a hospital in Victoria, Australia. |
Managing suicide risk among people who inject drugsPeople who inject drugs have an increased risk of suicide. Researchers of this study aimed to understand barriers and behaviours that can support the management of suicide risk in people who inject drugs and develop updated clinical practice guidelines. |
Examination of Victorian ambulance attendances for personality disorders, AOD and suicide
Some people living with personality disorders may self-manage their experiences through harmful ways such as non-suicidal self-injury, harmful prescription or illicit drug use, harmful use of alcohol, and may experience suicidal ideation. Researchers evaluated the use of ambulance services in Victoria Australia, by people diagnosed with personality disorder over a 6.5-year period.
