Parasuicide and use of intoxicants among Norwegian adolescents.

Self-reported history of parasuicide was analyzed with respect to use of intoxicants in a national sample of 12,000 Norwegian adolescents. The proportion of parasuicides was 8.3%, being higher among girls and among those living without both parents, and it increased with age, with use of intoxicants, depression, and loneliness. Calculations of relative risks and adjusted odds ratios demonstrated positive associations between parasuicide and use of intoxicants, and no significant gender differences were found. The findings are discussed with reference to impacts of intoxication and risk-taking behavior.