Alcoholics have high mortality rates, especially from suicide. To investigate factors correlated with suicidal behaviour, a semistructured interview was administered to 262 patients admitted to a veterans hospital alcohol rehabilitation centre. Suicide attempters were distinguished from non-attempters by their substance use histories, depressive symptomatology, & antisocial behaviour. Logistic regression showed the best predictors of suicidal behaviour were: the most alcohol consumed in 24 hours; previous alcohol treatment; previous use of other drugs; & a high Hamilton score for depression on admission. Implications for clinical care are discussed. (22 refs.)