Booze Might Make You Kill Yourself!

Who cares? Ever heard of survival of the fittest and all that?

I think this article is misleading. The NY Times article states the study is non-specific as to whether or not the alcohol and the suicide rate are linked via correlation or causation. And (from what I read) it also stated that the increased alcohol usage might be linked to a triggering event; so in that case the alcohol would be a failed/inappropriate form of self-medication, and thus more correlated. I somehow doubt drinking would make you commit suicide if you didn't already have somewhat of an intention to do it.

It's like a person on an anti-depressant who commits suicide: did he/she do it because the anti-depressant caused a loss of inhibition to previously unconsidered thoughts, because the anti-depressant didn't do enough to prevent the suicide, or because the medication was completely inappropriate?

I hate this post. Everyone wants to demonize everything. I see some of the most happy well adjusted people in the pub. Yes, they have had a few pints. They are hurting no one. Just socializing.

Crap, If I was to off myself I don't suspect I would do is sober. In fact, I am suspicious of the person who figures it is better to kill yourself sober, rather than half cut.

Good Luck to you.

I think it's all about loss of inhibition. Someone who really wants to commit suicide ordinarily probably wouldn't go through with it because they're scared to do it. Give them half a liter of Jagermeister and they might actually have the balls to pull the trigger and do it. I don't think that most people that drink socially go out and kill themselves or anything like that, which is why this study is indeed a bit flawed.

I think spectra is on to something there - the lack of inhibition, that little voice of reason being drowned. And for some it may also be that they made the decision, but had a few belts of whisky or whatever in order to help them do it...

Some people also use alcohol to help self-medicate against pain and depression, and this could also be a factor.

So all in all I'm not suprised that such a % of suicides were intoxicated - I'd be more interested in WHY they were and what interventions might be helpful...

I have to agree with the above comments about loss of inhibition being a big factor here. If someone is already somewhat depressed and has had thoughts of suicide previously, alcohol consumption is only going to add to those thoughts as it is a depressant. I don't think a well adjusted person would commit suicide after a few beers, they would have to be considering it in a sober state as well.

Did you know that cleaning a firearm carelessly close to your head could make you kill yourself?

As figures.....The NY Times.