A Jigger of Alcohol, a Dash of Depression, and Bitters: A Suicidal Mix

Suicide & alcoholism are viewed as similar-covert alcoholism & overt suicide are both self-destructive. Notes feelings of worthlessness, lost self-esteem & despair common to suicidal & alcoholic patients. Depression frequently accompanies both behaviors. One approach to understanding the relation between suicide, alcoholism & depression is to study the presence & course of depression while the patient is drinking. 2 case reports demonstrate how depression underlies both alcoholism & suicide.