Suicide and Alcoholism

Suicide, alcohol, and divorce; aspects of gender and family integration

“…Although Durkheim himself did not recognize alcoholism or heavy alcohol consumption as an important factor in explaining the variance in suicide rates (1951, pp. 77-81), several studies have provided empirical evidence to suggest that the alcohol consumption and the suicide rate within a population are associated to some degree GMorstrom, 1988;Wasserman, 1989;Skog & Elekes, 1993), and several studies have also shown that the suicide rate among alcoholics or heavy alcohol consumers is higher than in the general population (Sundby, 1967;Frances et al, 1987;Murphy, 1992). Several explanations for this observed association have been put forward (see Skog, 1991), but one of the explanations relates to the social disintegrative effects of alcoholism or heavy alcohol consumption.…”

Dual Diagnosis

“…According to a study by Frances et al, alcoholics with depression have an increased risk for suicide. While the lifetime risk for suicide in the general population is I%, with alcoholism it is 15% and with affective illnesses, also 15% (Frances, Franklin and Flavin, 1987). Groups I, I1 and I11 are therefore at a higher risk for suicide than the general population, and Group 111 may be at an even higher risk.…”

Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents

“…16 Alcohol use has been associated with 50% of suicides. 17 Living out of the home (in a correctional facility or group home) and a history of physical or sexual abuse are additional factors more commonly found in adolescents who exhibit suicidal behavior. 18 Psychosocial problems and stresses, such as conflicts with parents, breakup of a relationship, school difficulties or failure, legal difficulties, social isolation, and physical ailments (including hypochondriacal preoccupation), commonly are reported or observed in young people who attempt suicide.…”