Alcohol and suicidal thoughts

For anyone that experiences suicidal thoughts, or a feeling they might harm themselves, it’s important to talk to someone. Help and support is available right now for anyone that needs it – you do not need to struggle alone.

Getting help

If you’re experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide, Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day. You can call them on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org. It is best to contact them when you’re able to have a conversation and have not been drinking.

If you have seriously harmed yourself, or feel that you may be about to harm yourself – call 999 or go straight to A&E if you are able to safely.

Visit Samaritans.org

You can also contact your GP surgery to ask for an emergency appointment or call 111 for help finding local support. Most areas have an NHS mental health crisis number you, or someone on your behalf, can call.

The link between alcohol and suicidal thoughts

There is a strong association between regular heavy drinking and suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and death from suicide.¹  The link is due to both the immediate effects of alcohol - for example increased impulsiveness because of binge drinking²  – and the long-term physical and mental ill health experienced by people who are dependent on alcohol.³

The UK low risk drinking guidelines recommend not to drink more than 14 units a week, with several alcohol-free days each week and no binge drinking.

Alcohol suppresses activity in parts of the brain associated with inhibition^4,5 - drinking can lower a person’s inhibitions enough for them to act on suicidal thoughts.

Warning signals and second thoughts are less likely to happen for someone who has been drinking, which can lead them to actions they might not otherwise take – including self-harm and suicide.⁶

Not everyone who self-harms wants to end their life, but there is evidence of a link between alcohol and self-harm,⁷ as well as a clear link between suicide or suicidal thoughts and people who have previously self-harmed.⁸

How drinking less can help

Stopping drinking can help prevent feelings of depression that can lead to suicidal thoughts developing.^9,10

Stopping or reducing drinking can also keep you safer by preventing you from carrying out actions you wouldn’t consider while not under the influence. For more insight complete the Drinkaware Drinking Check, a confidential self-assessment.

Take the Drinking Check

If you’re worried about your drinking - or someone else’s - and want to talk with someone confidentially, there is help. Drinkchat is a confidential online web chat service, available weekdays 9am to 2pm. Alternatively, you can call Drinkline confidentially on 0300 123 1100 on weekdays from 9am to 8pm, and 11am to 4pm at the weekend.

Alcohol and depression

Alcohol is a depressant - it alters the delicate balance of chemicals in your brain.¹¹

Drinking alcohol slows down the brain and processes in the central nervous system and can interfere with what our brains need to do to maintain good mental health.¹² It can lead to a person experiencing negative emotions such as depression, anxiety or anger – which could all contribute to developing suicidal thoughts.

Find out more about alcohol and depression

Medications prescribed for depression should not be mixed with alcohol. It is best to completely avoid alcohol if you are on a course of prescribed medication for depression.

What causes suicidal thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, of any age, gender or background, at any time.¹³

There is no simple explanation for why someone might feel suicidal. According to Samaritans, it’s usually due to a combination of lots of different factors interacting together – ranging from things that affect the individual, the community they are part of, or wider society.

Common causes include mental health problems, relationship issues, worries about money or work, bullying or discrimination, as well as alcohol and substance misuse or feeling desperate, helpless or without hope.

Some people may not even be sure what causes their feelings. But support is available no matter the reason.

Men are at higher risk of suicide (three-quarters of people who died by suicide in the UK in 2018 were men)¹⁴ and are more likely than women to turn to alcohol when they’re under stress.¹⁵ There is also a link to poverty – there are higher rates of suicide in poorer communities.¹⁶