Medill: High Native suicide rates linked to alcohol intoxication

Thursday, February 7, 2013  

"American Indians and Alaska Natives together make up the U.S. ethnic population with the highest proportion of suicides following alcohol intoxication, according to a new study released Tuesday by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

The study also showed Native people who committed suicide had the highest average alcohol level in their blood among all of the ethnic groups. And nearly half of those above the “legal” limit were 29 or younger.

“This is a tremendous and very sad loss that’s happening in these Native communities,” said Raul Caetano, dean of the University of Texas Southwestern School of Health Professions and lead researcher on the study. “These are young people who should have a bright future.”"

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American Indians see highest percentage of suicides following alcohol intoxication (Medill Reports 2/5)