The use of alcohol in suicidal behaviour in young women, aged 18 to 30 years does not appear to be exceptional when compared to reports of its general community use. Significantly, fewer patients who made suicide attempts with a high physical risk to life reported the use of alcohol either in general, or with their suicide attempt. Although it has long been assumed that alcohol bears a casual relatonship to suicidal behaviour inquiry into specific groups of subjects appears to be indicated.