There are likely to be multiple mechanisms that determine how, when, and to what extent the above risk factors are related to suicidal behavior and substance use. Above, we introduced the concept that the combination of poor impulse control, stressful life events, and substance use may interact to amplify the likelihood of negative consequences of these behaviors (Bridge et al. 2006; Dalton et al. 2005; Putnins, 1995). In the next section, we present a detailed model of how these interactions may actually occur.
