Myth: Alcohol or Drugs Are Involved in Every Suicide
While the common belief is that every suicide death includes alcohol or drugs, only about one-third of people who die by suicide are positive for blood alcohol at the time of their death.
Fact: Alcohol and Drugs are Long-Term Predictors of Suicide, Not Acute Predictors
There are research studies that indicate a relationship between alcohol and drug use to suicidality. However, this research is more of a longitudinal nature. A meta-analysis indicates that a range of 19-63% of suicides suffered from alcohol use disorder. Other work suggests a roughly 8% risk of suicide death with alcohol dependence. Challenging findings are that alcohol may, in the short term, be a protective factor through increased serotonin.
Ultimately, the use of alcohol seems to increase suicide risk and is not a good long-term avoidance strategy, but the relationship between alcohol and suicide doesn’t fit linear models.
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Evidence
The consistent finding is long-term alcohol use leads to increased suicide risk. However, short-term use may provide a temporary protective factor and is not likely to be present at the time of suicide death.
In Support of the Myth
None identified.
To Refute the Myth
“Less than one third of those who die by suicide have positive blood alcohol at the time of death.”
"Substance Use Disorders and Risk for Completed Suicide" (2009)
19-63% of suicide have alcohol use disorder.
"Lifetime risk of suicide for affective disorder, alcoholism and schizophrenia" (1998)
8% lifetime risk of suicide death for alcoholism.
"Alcohol and Central Serotonin Metabolism in Man" (1979)
Short-term alcohol use as a possible protective factor of suicide through transitory elevation of serotonin levels.
Unclear or Mixed Support
None identified.
Learn more about suicide myths – and the truths behind them – by following the links below.