Alcohol use and reasons for drinking as risk factors for suicidal behavior in the U.S. Army

Abstract

Objective: High levels of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems are associated with suicidal behaviors (i.e., seriously considering and/or attempting suicide) in military and civilian populations. Examination of reasons for drinking alcohol may identify subgroups of soldiers who may either be at risk for suicidal behaviors or resilient to suicidality. Method: We examined the associations among reasons for drinking, level of alcohol use, and past year suicidality in 3,813 U.S. Army soldiers using the Department of Defense Survey of Health-Related Behaviors among Active Duty Military Personnel. Results: Six percent of soldiers reported suicidal thoughts and behaviors within the past year. Those who reported the highest level of alcohol use were more likely to have seriously considered and/or attempted suicide. Drinking to avoid rejection/“fit in” was associated with suicidality, even after adjusting for level of alcohol consumption, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. Although unadjusted analyses revealed a relation of pleasure-seeking drinking motives to suicidality, this association did not remain significant after controlling for covariates. Conclusions: Drinking to avoid rejection/“fit in” is associated with suicidality above overall alcohol consumption. Screening for this reason for drinking may be useful for suicide prediction and prevention.