Download document: Alcohol and Suicide - Samaritans Policy Briefing
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People who misuse alcohol are at greater risk of suicide, so it's essential they get the support and services they need to manage this.
We know that there are many reasons behind suicide, but there is a strong link between alcohol misuse and suicide – the risk of suicide is as much as eight times greater when someone is abusing alcohol.
Alcohol can lower a person’s inhibitions enough for them to act on suicidal thoughts. It can also affect someone’s mood and deepen depression.
Evidence suggests that men, who are at higher risk of suicide, are more likely than women to turn to alcohol when they’re in distress. People living in the poorest communities are often the most affected.
Governments must take ambitious action on alcohol misuse by:
Read more in our policy briefing.
278.8 kb - PDF