Suicide is the eighth-leading cause of death in the United States. Each year 29,000 people take their own lives. About 50 percent of all suicide attempts involve alcohol and illegal drugs (including those who use alcohol or drugs in their attempt or test positively for alcohol or drugs at the time of the attempt). About 25 percent of completed suicides occur among drug abusers and those with alcohol abuse problems. The suicide rate of people under age 30 is increasing, largely because of substance abuse among young adults.

Suicides among young people nationwide increased dramatically in recent years. Each year in the United States, thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15-to- 24-year-olds, and the sixth-leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year- olds. More than 50 percent of teens who commit suicide have a history of alcohol and drug use. Many...