Alcohol or drugs a factor in eight out of 10 suicides

ALCOHOL or drugs were shown to have occurred in eight out of 10 suicides in a study of 121 cases in Cork over a six month time frame.

The study was undertaken by the National Suicide Research Foundation in UCC, as well as the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health along with St Patrick’s Mental Health Services in Cork. The study looked at 61 suicides of young people and 60 adults between the years of 2007 and 2012.

Toxicology tests showed that 80% of the total sample had used either alcohol or drugs at the time of death and it also showed that alcohol was equally found in 52% of the people.

The report stated that the results didn’t reveal a significant assocation between alcohol and age among those who died by suicide – with simiilar rates between young people and adults.

The study also showed that more than 70% of young people and more than 60% of adults had a history of alcohol and/or durg use.

Interestingly, it found that alcohol consumption among young people was far more likely to occur during weekends and, in turn, drinking may exacerbate depression and depressive symptoms.

Researchers called on programmes promoting positive mental health in education settings with the aim of increasing emotional competence and personal skill to coope with personal difficulties and stress.

Almost nine out of 10 young people were male and eight out of 10 adults were male. Just over seven out of 10 young peole lived at home with their parents, compared to three out of 10 adults. If you or someone you know has been affected by mental health issues you can contact, Samaritans - 116 123 or text 087 2609090