A new study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry finds those suffering from alcohol abuse syndrome have a significantly higher risk of suicide.
How much higher?
Fifty percent.
A research team from the Department of Population Health in New Zealand reached this conclusion after analyzing data from the Christchurch Health and Development (CHDS) study, a cohort of 1,265 people born in 1977.
They found that without filtering the data for confounding factors (history of childhood abuse, trauma, etc.), alcohol abuse tripled the chances a person would seriously consider suicide. When participants impacted by those confounding factors were eliminated from the data pool, those suffering from alcohol abuse alone still had a 50% higher risk of suicide ideation.
This study supports other studies showing that alcoholism is the second greatest contributor to suicide rates after major depressive disorder.
According to Dr. Rose Crossin, the study’s lead author, men, and women showed an increased risk of suicide ideation regardless of ethnicity.
The study also accounted for other factors, including employment status, relationship instability, and life satisfaction.
If you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol and/or drugs and need help in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, Florida, or Indiana, the recovery teams at Aware Recovery Care are here to help. Our unique model of care is giving clients a significantly better chance of recovery when compared to traditional inpatient rehab care. To learn more, please contact one of our Recovery Specialists.
