This paper examines the reaction of significant others to the alcoholic & the alcoholic’s experiencing suicidal thoughts using 147 male alcoholics divided into a suicidal group & a nonsuicidal group. Findings include: for 71%, rejection by friends occurred before the onset of suicidal thoughts. Results support the proposition that alcoholism leads to a breakdown in relationships with significant others & that the resulting state of overindividuation becomes manifested in suicidal thoughts.