What should be the immediate action regarding a patient with suicidal ideation who is drug dependent?

The immediate action for a patient presenting with suicidal ideation, particularly one who is also drug dependent, is to assess the severity of their suicide risk. This step is crucial because it helps to establish the immediacy of the situation and determines the safest course of action moving forward. Assessing risk involves evaluating factors such as the patient's mental health history, current substance use, any recent life stressors, and the specifics of their suicidal thoughts or plans.

Identifying the suicide risk level is vital because it informs whether the patient requires urgent intervention, hospitalization, or can be managed in a less intensive setting. In cases where there is a high risk, immediate protective measures can be instituted to ensure the patient's safety. Without this assessment, other actions such as referrals for substance abuse treatment or resuming medications could overlook the critical need for addressing the suicidal thoughts immediately.

This systematic approach prioritizes the patient's safety, which is essential in any treatment plan, especially in the context of mental health issues compounded by substance dependence.