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American Indians at greater risk for suicide after alcohol intoxication

American Indians with a positive blood alcohol content committed suicide more often than other ethnic groups in the United States, researchers reported.

According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading overall cause of death in the United States as of 2009.

“National surveys also show that [American Indians] and [Alaska Natives] have a higher prevalence of individuals who report serious thoughts of suicide in the previous 12 months,” the researchers wrote.

Raul Caetano, MD, PhD, of the University of Texas School of Public Health, and colleagues analyzed data from the 2003 to 2009 National Violent Death Reporting System. The researchers obtained sociodemographic and toxicological information on 59,384 suicide decedents. Overall, 76% were tested for the presence of alcohol. Acute alcohol intoxication was defined in the study as having a blood alcohol content ≥0.08 g/dL.

The proportion of suicide decedents who had positive blood alcohol content ranged from 47% among American Indians and Alaska Natives to 23% among Asians and Pacific Islanders. Average blood alcohol content was highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Among decedents who were legally intoxicated before committing suicide, 36% were American Indians and Alaska Natives, 28% were Hispanics, 15% were blacks, and 13% were Asians and Pacific Islanders.

Almost half (48%) of American Indian and Alaska Native suicide decedents who were acutely intoxicated were aged 30 years or younger.

The researchers said suicide-prevention strategies should address alcohol use as a risk factor, particularly among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

“These associations indicate that heavier drinkers are more at risk and should be targeted for prevention efforts,” Caetano said in a press release. “American Indians as well, especially the younger groups. Alcohol treatment facilities should focus on suicide, and be aware of the potential risk that their clients have in regards to suicide. Clinicians working with heavier drinkers, especially those who are depressed, should be very aware of the increased risk that these clients have.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.