America’s record-high deaths by suicide: APA president. outlines prevention steps

More than 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, the highest number on record. Data from 2021 found that over 12 million American adults thought about suicide and 1.7 million attempted it.

American Psychiatric Association President Dr. Petros Levounis, who’s finishing his term, is at the center of efforts to prevent suicides. His focus continues to be on substance use addictions. He and the 38,000 APA members have launched a campaign called “Confronting Addiction: From Prevention to Recovery.”

Dr. Levounis also talked about vaping, opioids, alcohol and the rapidly growing addiction to tech.

Join hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter for this encore presentation of the interview with Dr. Levounis.