A Study on the Causes of Suicidal Ideation in Alcoholics: Exploring the Internal Factors of Hopelessness

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the internal factors that contribute to suicidal ideation in alcoholics. To fulfill the purpose of the study, cases of alcoholics with suicidal thoughts and attempts were collected. The cases were extracted from memoirs published by A.A. Korea, and a total of 23 cases with specific experiences related to alcoholism and suicide were selected. The collected data was analyzed using a qualitative case study method. The analysis showed that alcoholics experienced health problems, economic problems, and relationship problems due to their drinking, which led to internal distress such as loneliness, pessimism about their health, lethargy about alcohol, self-blame, others' blame, and self-pity. The end result of this internal distress is loss of hope (despair). The alcoholics' expressions of hopelessness included contents of suicide. Based on these findings, the researchers suggest several practice and policy implications.