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

Basing treatment on faith

At one time, Randy and Kim Cox had no idea they’d be dedicating their lives to a program like Rivers of Hope Ministries. They were missionaries based in Russia for 10 years before returning to the States, where they spent time both in Randy’s native Texas and Kim’s hometown of Prattville. In Russia, a country….

Finding the Best Treatment Centers in Florida

The state of Florida has long been a major gateway for moving illegal drugs into and throughout the United States. Add to this Florida’s proximity to drug-producing countries and ongoing shipment hauls and it’s no wonder substance abuse rates continue to climb within the state. Fortunately, anyone who finds him or herself battling a drug….

The Painful Truth about Heroin Detox

Thousands of heroin uses claim that they don’t get treatment for their addiction simply because they are too afraid of having to go through withdrawal during detox. In fact, many would rather use heroin and remain addicted to this deadly drug than actually deal with the pain and discomforts that come during withdrawal. The truth….

Heavy drinkers seek out bargains

A study of heavy drinkers consuming hundreds of units of alcohol a week found they were buying cheaper drink than most other people. One study author said it was “likely” a minimum price for alcohol, as proposed by the Scottish government, would cut these problem drinkers’ consumption. A total of 377 people were interviewed as….

Dangers of binge drinking

Binge drinking is often associated with many health risks including sexually transmitted diseases and alcohol poisoning. While it’s been proven that drinking alcohol in moderation can be good for your health, that is not the case when it comes to binge drinking. FACC Cardiologist Dr. Lynn Einbinder says binge drinking is usually defined as having….