Call 888-647-0579 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor.

Who Answers?

Alcohol Abuse, Addiction Affect Suicide Rates

Factors that affect suicide rates include drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Studies also shows that being male, or part of a minority group, affects the incidence of suicide. New data from the CDC’s Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report shows that interventional programs should focus on alcohol treatment and rehabilitation to reduce the risk of suicide among minorities especially.

The study examined suicides reported in 17 states in 2005 and 2006. Almost one fourth had alcohol levels that exceed legal limits for driving when tested following suicide. The study was led by Dr. Alex Crosby of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, showing that alcohol is a major contributor to suicide rates.

Crosby says that interventional programs that try to address suicide prevention should focus on alcohol as a cause. Public health policies should focus on how much alcohol is really contributing to depression, impaired judgment, and health problems related to the nervous system and behavior. In addition to alcohol treatment and rehabilitation, the authors propose higher tax rates and laws on alcohol to prevent a problem that is “considered ordinary behavior”.

Alcohol can worsen depression, making intervention important, especially among Hispanics and American Indian and Alaska Natives who have the highest rates of alcohol related suicides. Alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs can play an important role in helping to reduce the risk of deaths from worsening depression and hopelessness.

Given the findings that high alcohol levels are found in a large number of suicide cases, more alcohol programs should be developed. Dr. Eric Caine, chair of psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y. says, “Here’s more data on how something like alcohol is fuel on the fire, and we need to ask ourselves what we are going to do about it.” Raising alcohol taxes, and focusing on alcohol treatment programs should become a public focus to reduce the toll of alcohol consumption on health and suicide rates.

source: CDC

More Treatment & Detox Articles

Holistic ADHD Treatment Options

Finding alternative treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be risky and frustrating. No conclusive medical evidence currently exists that supports holistic ADHD treatment options, but this should not stop you from investigating non-traditional methods in conjunction with a licensed medical professional. There are promising studies (Mayo Clinic) that are bringing hope to families….

Cancer treatment

Cancer is a serious disease which is responsible for major percentage of deaths in the world. A cancer can affect any part of the body. Till date there are over 100 types of cancer which are being detected and are also treated. Anyone can get affected by the cancer, theirs no discrimination. Cancer is caused….

Affordable Alcohol Treatment Options

Many people who are addicted to alcohol or who suffer from alcohol abuse do not seek help simply because they cannot find an affordable treatment option that works for them. This is very sad news because studies show that more than 90% of those who suffer from substance abuse will never get the help that….

Symptoms of ADHD in children

“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders” is commonly known as the “ADHD”. This disorder is commonly seen in children and can turn into a chronic mental disorder. Since, this is a mental condition; ADHD largely affects the child’s progress at school and on social front. In a survey, it was found that boys are more prone to….

Treatment Facility Opens Women's Center

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – There are major differences between men and women when it comes to battling drug and alcohol addiction. It turns out women are more likely to fall into addiction and more likely to develop serious health problems because of it, according to a Nashville area substance abuse facility. For more than 40 years,….