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Published on: April 28, 2022
Alcohol consumption and nearly lethal suicide attempts.
K E Powell1, M J Kresnow, J A Mercy
1Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health, Atlanta, USA. kepowell@dhr.state
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|April 2, 2002
Summary
Nearly lethal suicide attempts are strongly linked to alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol shortly before a suicide attempt showed the highest association, highlighting immediate alcohol use as a critical risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the specific patterns of alcohol use associated with suicide attempts is crucial for prevention.
- Previous research indicates a link between alcohol and suicidal behavior, but specific consumption facets require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between various facets of alcohol consumption and nearly lethal suicide attempts in young individuals (13-34 years).
- To identify which specific alcohol consumption patterns pose the greatest risk for near-fatal suicide attempts.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Data collected included drinking frequency, quantity, binge drinking, alcoholism, timing of alcohol consumption relative to the attempt, and age of first drink.
- Bivariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess associations, controlling for confounders.
Main Results:
- All measured facets of alcohol consumption were significantly associated with nearly lethal suicide attempts in bivariable analyses.
- Drinking alcohol within 3 hours of a suicide attempt demonstrated the strongest association (odds ratios > 6), even after controlling for other factors.
- Alcoholism also remained significantly associated, though with less strength than immediate pre-attempt drinking.
- A J-shaped relationship was observed between most alcohol exposure variables and near-lethal suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
- Immediate alcohol consumption prior to a suicide attempt is a potent risk factor.
- Alcoholism remains a significant correlate of near-lethal suicide attempts.
- These findings underscore the importance of screening for recent alcohol use in individuals presenting after a suicide attempt.
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