Understanding suicide risks during opioid transitions in veterans
Official title: Clinical context of SuicIde following OPIOID transitionS in Veterans, CSI:OPIOIDS-V
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-10942074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into what might lead veterans to consider suicide when they are stopping opioid use, hoping to find ways to help prevent these tragedies by understanding their personal and medical backgrounds better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003407-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are currently transitioning off opioid medications or have experienced suicidal thoughts during this process.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or those who are not undergoing opioid transitions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors contributing to suicide among veterans who are transitioning off opioids. It aims to gather detailed information about the clinical contexts surrounding these tragic events through psychological autopsy methods, which analyze personal and medical histories. By examining both modifiable and nonmodifiable factors, the research seeks to identify potential preventive measures. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind suicides to inform better health system responses and support for veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing suicide among veterans undergoing opioid tapering.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on opioid prescribing and its effects, this specific approach using psychological autopsy methods to understand suicide risk during opioid transitions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kertesz, Stefan G — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kertesz, Stefan G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
-
Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
A VA-funded project tests whether peer-delivered counseling helps Veterans store firearms more securely and reduces suicide risk.
-
How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
-
INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
-
A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
A school-based program teaches students calming skills to reduce violence and thoughts of self-harm, tested in a randomized trial with middle schoolers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.