Alcohol and Suicide

No cause-and-effect relationship between use of alcohol and/or other drugs and suicide has been established, but such use often is a contributing factor. Research indicates several explanations. Drinking, use of other drugs, or both may reduce inhibitions and impairs the judgment of someone contemplating suicide, making the act more likely.

High rates of alcohol have been found among suicide victims who use firearms. Recent studies suggest that alcohol tends to be associated with impulsive rather than premeditated suicides.

Other research finds underscore the importance of alcohol/other drug problems prevention in reducing suicides:

• Between 20 and 35 percent of suicide victims had history of alcohol abuse or were drinking shortly before their suicides.

• In one study of youthful suicide, drug and alcohol abuse was the most common characteristic of those who attempted suicide; fully 70 percent of these young people frequently used alcohol and/or other drugs.

• ·Nearly 24 percent of suicide victims in another study had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .10 or greater (the legal level for intoxication in many jurisdictions).

• Similarly, an analysis of 100,000 deaths in 1989 found positive BACs in 35 percent of suicide fatalities.

Source: the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information