Grant: Project Grant

Suicide is a major public health problem in Canada, resulting in about 4,000 deaths each year. Despite ongoing efforts, suicide rates have not improved much over the past 20 years. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a well-known risk factor for suicide. People with AUD are more than twice as likely to die by suicide as those without AUD. Importantly, AUD is treatable, yet it is not clear whether treatment for AUD actually lowers the risk of suicide. This represents a critical gap in suicide prevention research and policy. The goal of this study is to determine whether receiving treatment for AUD reduces the risk of suicide attempts and death by suicide. Specifically, the study will examine whether people with AUD who receive treatment have lower suicide risk than those who do not, and whether certain types of treatment or longer treatment episodes are associated with greater risk reduction. The study will also explore whether these associations differ between females and males. The research will use existing health care data from Ontario, covering the period from 2013 to 2026. Adults diagnosed with AUD will be identified and compared with individuals who did not receive AUD treatment. Information from health records will be used to track suicide attempts and deaths over time. Advanced statistical methods will help ensure fair comparisons between groups and address potential sources of bias. This study will provide the first large-scale evidence on whether real-world treatment for AUD can reduce suicide risk. The findings will help inform suicide prevention strategies, improve addiction treatment policies, and support better health system planning in Canada.