The Link Between Alcoholism and Suicide

Suicide and Alcoholism

There is a well-established link between alcoholism and suicide.² People with alcoholism are more likely to think about suicide, attempt suicide and complete suicide.³ Alcoholism is a chronic disease, and people suffering from it need support. With the right help, it is possible to prevent the tragic consequences of alcohol-related suicide.⁴

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is also known as alcohol addiction, alcohol dependence, or alcohol use disorder (AUD). The medical term for alcoholism is ‘alcohol use disorder’. For the purposes of this blog, we will use the term, ‘alcoholism’, to maintain accessibility for our readers. 

Alcoholism is a chronic brain disease characterised by continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences. A person suffering from alcoholism will have a lack of control over their alcohol consumption and may have lasting changes in the brain as a result of alcohol misuse.⁴

People With Alcoholism:

1. Drink alcohol excessively (i.e., they consume alcohol in larger quantities or for longer than intended)
2. Have difficulty controlling their alcohol use
3. Spend lots of time sourcing, using or recovering from alcohol 
4. Have an increased tolerance (i.e., they need to drink more to experience the same effects)
5. Continue to drink despite negative effects on their physical or mental health 
6. Prioritise alcohol over other parts of their life such as work, relationships or hobbies
7. Experience strong cravings and even withdrawal symptoms during periods of time without alcohol

Does Alcoholism Increase Your Risk of Suicide?

Yes. Alcoholism has been shown to greatly increase a person’s risk of suicide. In people with alcoholism, the risk of suicide is up to 120 times greater than in people with no psychiatric health issues.²

Why Does Alcoholism Increase Your Risk of Suicide?

Being under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of a suicide attempt. This risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.⁵

There are many reasons why alcohol use increases suicide risk^2,6:

• Alcohol use can promote suicidal thoughts. People suffering from alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, can also experience depressive episodes caused by alcohol. This can lead to low mood and feelings of hopelessness that increase suicide risk Alcoholism can cause problems in relationships. This can lead to relationship breakdowns, feelings of isolation and a withdrawal from social activities, all of which increase a person’s risk of suicide 
• Under the influence of alcohol, it can be harder to utilise healthy coping mechanisms to manage distressing feelings 
• Use of alcohol can produce or enhance aggressive tendencies, which can lead to self-aggression or suicidal behaviours
• Alcohol impairs our ability to thoroughly consider our actions. People who have been drinking may not comprehend the potentially fatal consequences of their plans to harm themselves 
• Use of alcohol lowers inhibition. Without inhibition, suicidal thoughts may turn into a suicide attempt

Alcoholism Can Disrupt Support Systems

When times are hard, most of us turn to others for support. Alcoholism can create challenges in friendships and relationships. With repeated challenges, friendships and relationships might break down. People with untreated alcoholism can find themselves isolated and socially withdrawn.² When they start to struggle, they may not have a support network to turn to. People with no support network are more at risk of suicide.⁷

Alcoholism Can Cause Changes or Loss in Our Lives

Alcoholism is a disease that has significant consequences on the lives of those it affects. People might lose their jobs, experience relationship breakdowns or suffer from health problems. These stressful life situations may precipitate suicidal thoughts or behaviours.^2,4

Alcoholism Can Worsen Mental Health Problems

Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder commonly coexist with alcoholism. Alcohol consumption can also bring about changes to a person’s emotional state and mood and may worsen existing mental health conditions. Over time, people suffering from alcoholism can experience psychological disorders due to the effects of alcohol on the brain.⁸ 

Alcohol Use Alters Our Neurochemistry

Our brains use signalling molecules called neurotransmitters to transmit chemical messages throughout the body. Neurotransmitters are necessary for a number of brain functions, including pleasure and mood regulation.⁹ Alcoholism can cause abnormal functioning of different neurotransmitters.² This can lead to low mood and other problems. Research suggests that changes in dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in motivation and reward,and serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, activity may be related to suicidal behaviours.^9,10

Alcohol Can Cause Brain Damage

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over prolonged periods of time can lead to alcohol-related brain damage. Some of these toxic effects can be permanently disabling. Brain damage resulting from alcohol misuse is associated with suicidal behaviour.¹⁰

People With Alcoholism May Be Afraid to Seek Help

People with alcoholism may feel unable to speak up and seek help because of the perceived stigma. Alcoholism is a disease, but sadly some people still view it as a choice or a moral failing. These harmful beliefs can alienate people who are struggling with alcoholism.¹¹ Without the appropriate support, people struggling with alcoholism may feel that suicide is their only option.⁷

Is Everyone Who Drinks Alcohol at Risk of Suicide?

Not everyone who consumes alcohol or has an alcohol use disorder will attempt suicide. Many factors are involved in determining suicide risk.

Suicide is the outcome of complex interactions between various factors, including genetic predispositions and environmental stressors.²

Risk factors for attempting suicide include:^2,12

• Having a mental health condition(s)
• Having a history of trauma or abuse
• Having a history of previous suicide attempts
• Experiencing financial or legal problems 
• Having a loved one who attempted suicide 
• Experiencing a lack of support network
• Misuse of substances, like alcohol 
• Having access to lethal means of suicide 

What to Do if You’re Worried That a Loved one Might Be Suicidal

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s wellbeing, it’s important to speak to them about it. People are often afraid that talking to someone about suicide may make things worse. They worry that asking someone about suicide may plant the idea in their head and make them more suicidal. Studies have shown that this is not the case; asking about suicide is not associated with an increased risk of suicide.¹³

In fact, talking to a person about suicide can help alleviate distress and reduce suicidal behaviours.¹³ By asking about suicide, you’re giving your loved one an opportunity to open up. If they open up to you, you may be able to support them in getting the help they need.

When speaking with someone about suicide, it is important to listen carefully and be fully present for them. Asking them directly about suicide and offering support can help allay their feelings of isolation and hopelessness. 

These gentle questions can provide a safe space for someone struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviours to talk openly about their experiences. By accepting and helping to validate their feelings, you can offer support and hope during an immensely difficult time.

Advising them that you want to keep them safe and for them to receive professional help is an important step towards finding treatment. You can ask what they feel might be helpful (e.g., medication, counselling or support groups). Even if they don’t ask you to, it’s essential to seek professional help and support for the person. If they are actively suicidal, immediate help is needed. This could involve contacting emergency services or calling support helplines.¹⁴

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What to Do if You’re Feeling Suicidal

Struggling with alcoholism and suicidal thoughts can be incredibly distressing. 

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, the NHS recommends that you should tell someone. If you are feeling depressed or hopeless, it is important to know that help is available. 

Calling or messaging a helpline, speaking to a loved one or contacting your GP or mental health crisis team can be important steps toward finding appropriate help and support.¹⁵ 

During active suicidal thoughts, it’s important to reach out and seek support. Here are a few coping strategies which can be helpful in the initial mangement of suicidal thoughts:¹⁵

• Be around trusted friends or family members in a safe space  
• Focus on being present in the moment 
• Avoid thinking too much about the future 
• Do something you usually enjoy, like spending time with a pet 
• Avoid alcohol and drugs 

Treatment for Alcoholism and Suicidal Behaviours 

Suicide is a devastating reality, affecting many sufferers of alcoholism and their families. At Castle Craig, we recognise alcohol addiction as a potential risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Our friendly and professional team provide comprehensive treatments for alcoholism that can also be helpful in alleviating suicidal preoccupations. 

Medically-Supervised Detox 

Withdrawing from alcohol can produce challenging and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The specialist detoxification unit at Castle Craig provides comfort and support to patients during this process. Our experienced clinical staff are available round-the-clock to monitor and provide effective care to patients.

Safe Detox in Comfort

Castle Craig has a dedicated detoxification centre and 24/7 supervision by doctors and nurses to ensure the utmost patient safety.

Alcohol Detox Drug Detox

Inpatient Rehabilitation Programmes 

We understand the importance of personalised care in managing conditions like alcohol addiction. Our multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and therapists deliver a range of inpatient therapies, including medication management, individual and group therapy sessions and complementary therapies, like acupuncture and mindfulness meditation. 

At Castle Craig, our inpatient addiction treatment programmes are catered to each patient, depending on their unique circumstances and requirements. Our team of psychiatrists and addiction specialists plan and deliver psychological therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help individuals recover from addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. 

Our treatment plans are grounded in the evidence-based, 12-Step model of addiction. This model supports use of various approaches in the treatment of addiction and champions personalised care. Our plans are also abstinence-based, which helps to ensure that recovery is successful and long-lasting. 

Inpatient rehabilitation at Castle Craig offers high levels of support and monitoring for people suffering from alcoholism and suicidal ideation. Our dedicated medical team is committed to providing mental, physical and emotional support to every individual patient and their family. 

Key features of our treatment are:

• A medically-supervised detox within our dedicated detox unit 
• Personalised plans for every patient created by a Consultant Psychiatrist
• Medical staff on-site 24/7 to promote the highest levels of patient safety and comfort 
• A variety of therapies offered to meet individual patient needs
• A range of complementary therapies such as massage therapy and equine therapy
• Family therapy sessions to support family members
• A structured aftercare programme to support long-lasting recovery