The role of alcohol in suicides in Erie County, NY, 1972-84.

A discriminant analysis of the 806 suicide victims in Erie County, NY, from 1972-84, compared those with alcohol in the blood to those without. Thirty-three percent of the victims had alcohol in their blood. Those with blood alcohol present were more likely to demonstrate such characteristics as being male, leaving no note, being found in a vehicle, having no prior attempt, using a gun, killing themselves in the evening or at night, and not being under psychiatric treatment. The results are interpreted to mean that alcohol is a contributory cause of impulsive suicides. Suicides related to long-standing conditions, such as chronic depression or physical illness, which are less spontaneous and more predictable, are less likely to involve alcohol. The alcohol-related suicide is more likely to be impulsive. Alcohol-involved suicides reflect general drinking patterns, with men drinking more than women, and most drinking being done in the evening.