This study examined whether a family history of suicide is associated with suicide attempts among alcoholics. A consecutive series of 333 alcoholics were interviewed about whether they had ever attempted suicide & about their family history of suicide. Significantly more of the alcoholics who had attempted suicide (compared to those who had not) reported that a first- or second-degree relative had died by suicide. The authors conclude that a family history of suicide may indicate that an alcoholic has a higher risk of attempting suicide. (9 refs)