Changes in suicide rates after reductions in alcohol consumption and problems in Ontario, 1975-1983

In this paper the relationships among suicide rates in Ontario for males, females and the total population, alcohol consumption, and other alcohol-related problems are examined for the period 1963-1983. Suicide rates, like other alcohol-related problems, were strongly correlated with per capita consumption over the total period. However, during the recent period of stabilization in consumption (1975-83), the correlations were markedly reduced and substantial differences in trends for males and females were observed. The contribution to these diverging trends of such factors as increased treatment of alcohol abuse, rising unemployment, and reduced use of tranquilizing drugs is discussed.