Problem drinking linked to increased risk of suicide and self-harm

(Image: Pixabay CC0) - Problematic alcohol use is associated with increased odds of suicide or self-harm, according to a new study led by UCL researchers. The study, published in BJPsych Open , did not identify a clear association with levels of alcohol consumption and risk of suicide or self-harm, other than among those with 'probable dependence' (the highest consumption level); rather, they identified signs of alcohol negatively impacting people's lives as risk factors. Lead author, PhD candidate Sarah Ledden (UCL Psychiatry), said: "We found that it's not just how much people drink that is associated with their risk of suicide or self-harm, but whether they show signs of more problematic alcohol use. Drinking alcohol might not be the problem per se, but how it's affecting your life and potentially causing you problems." The study involved 14,949 people, broadly representative of the general public in England, who completed surveys (Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Surveys) about alcohol consumption and patterns of harmful use (measured by the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test - AUDIT). The researchers compared this to self-reported incidence of suicide attempts, suicidal thoughts and non-suicidal self-harm in the past year. The study team found that whether other people have expressed concern about someone's drinking was the strongest predictor of suicide and self-harm risk.