Our presentation reviewed the Western studies on an association between alcohol and suicide, and revealed that excessive drinking, as well as alcohol abuse/dependence, may be closely associated with various types of suicidal behaviors, while the reliable studies which confirmed the association between alcohol and suicide have been scarce in Japan. Based on these recogni tions,we indicated that the mental health policies for suicide in Japan incline toward the countermeasures for depression too much. Further, we proposed the Japanese government is required to enlighten the close association between alcohol and suicide broadly,and to develop the suicide prevention strategies and epidemiological studies cooperating with members of self-help groups.
Alcohol Impacts on Suicide?
Psychiatria et Neurologia Japonica
111: 829-836, 2009