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Cited by 305Suicide and Self-Harm StudiesSubstance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesHomicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse

Acute Alcohol Use and Suicidal Behavior: A Review of the Literature

Cherpitel, Cheryl J., Borges, Guilherme L.G., Wilcox, Holly C.·2004·Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research
DOI 10.1097/01.alc.0000127411.61634.14
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Abstract

A bstract : Background: Both acute and chronic use of alcohol are associated with suicidal behavior. However, the differing relationship of each component of alcohol use and possible causal mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This article reviews and summarizes associations between acute alcohol consumption (with and without intoxication) and suicidal behavior (both completed suicide and suicide attempts) among adults 19 years and older, as presented in literature published between 1991 and 2001. Possible mechanisms and methodologic challenges for evaluating the association are also discussed. An application of a research design (the case‐crossover study) that has the potential for addressing the effects of acute alcohol use over and above usual or chronic use is presented. Results: The majority of articles reviewed were restricted to descriptive studies that documented the prevalence of suicide completers or attempters who tested positive for alcohol use. A wide range of alcohol‐positive cases were found for both completed suicide (10–69%) and suicide attempts (10–73%). Common methodologic limitations included the lack of control groups (for evaluating risk conferred by alcohol use), selection and ascertainment bias, and small sample sizes. The results of the case‐crossover pilot study indicated substantially higher risk of suicide during or shortly after use of alcohol compared with alcohol‐free periods. Conclusions: Although there is a substantial literature of published studies on acute alcohol use and suicidal behavior, the majority of studies focus on completed suicide and report prevalence estimates. Findings from such studies are subject to several possible sources of bias and have not advanced our knowledge of mechanisms in the association between acute alcohol use and suicidal behavior. The case‐crossover design may help to overcome some limitations of these studies and facilitate evaluation of associations and possible causal mechanisms by which acute alcohol use is linked to suicidal behavior.

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Authors
Cherpitel, C. J., Borges, G. L. G., & Wilcox, H. C.
Affiliations
Johns Hopkins University (US)
Corresponding author
Cherpitel, Cheryl J.
ORCID
Venue
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2004-05
Volume
28
Issue
s1
Pages
18S-28S
ISSN
  • 0145-6008 (ISSN-L)
  • 1530-0277
DOI
10.1097/01.alc.0000127411.61634.14
OpenAlex
W2135593478
Cited by
305
References
92
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 20 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 27 · 2016: 22 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 12
FWCI
1.53
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 732 d)
Locations
  • Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (AA-05595)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse
Keywords
suicidal behavior, suicide mortality, suicide attempts, alcohol intoxication, case-crossover design
MeSH terms
Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholic Intoxication, Humans, Suicide

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