During 2001-2005, an estimated annual 79,646 alcohol-attributable deaths (AAD) were attributed to the harmful effects of excessive alcohol use and an estimated 5,800 AAD were associated each year with suicide.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that, according to data from 17 states, suicide is linked to alcohol abuse across a range of ethnic groups.

The CDC found that a total of 19, 255 suicides occurred in the 17 states contributing data to the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). The highest percentage of suicides characterized as being dependent on alcohol was observed among non-Hispanic American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and the lowest percentage was observed among non-Hispanic blacks.

Researchers have proposed various theories regarding the role of alcohol use in suicidal behavior, including alcohol’s effect on promoting depression, disinhibition, impaired problem-solving, and relationship disruption. In this analysis, alcohol intoxication was likely present in nearly one quarter of the tested suicide deaths reported by NVDRS in 17 states during the period from 2005 to 2006. Comprehensive suicide-prevention programs focus on a variety of risk or protective factors, including alcohol consumption. However, the CDC’s findings emphasize the importance of developing specific programs for minority populations.

Source:

MMWR. 58(23):637-641.