JAPNA Article: The Association Between Substance Use and Suicidality Among Women Veterans, 2015-2019: A Secondary Analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Sep-Oct 2026 (32.5)

This article reviews results from a secondary analysis of the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health examining the relationship between substance use, substance use disorders, and suicidality among women Veterans. It highlights the disparities in suicide risk among women Veterans compared to men Veterans and women non-Veterans, with emphasis on opioid, stimulant, and cannabis use. The content also explores how access to mental health and substance use treatment may influence suicide risk, with implications for clinical assessment, prevention, and care coordination.

Authors: Brayden Kameg, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Disclosures: The APNA planner and authors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or off-label uses to disclose.

Target Audience: RN, APRN

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this article, the reader will be able to:

1. Verbalize key risk factors associated with suicide and substance use disorders among women Veterans.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Women Veterans experience a disproportionately higher risk of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts compared to their civilian counterparts.
2. Engagement in mental health services appears to be a stronger protective factor against death by suicide than substance use disorder treatment alone.

Keywords: Substance Use Disorder, SUD, Substance Use, Suicide, Veterans, Women Veterans, Gender Disparities, Mental Health Treatment, Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
1.0 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: read the entire article, complete a reflection activity, an evaluation, and the honor statement before the expiration date. Once you have completed the activity, evaluation, and honor statement, your nursing continuing professional development certificate will be generated online and available for immediate printing. Credit cannot be earned unless all components of the program are completed.  

Release Date: September 1, 2026
Access to this course will end: October 31, 2028

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

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