| This paper estimates
the association between alcohol-related policies and completed suicides
among youths. Data on completed suicides for each state in the United
States are analyzed for the period 1976-1999. Negative binomial regressions
are used to estimate a reduced form model of youth suicide. Suicides
are analyzed by gender and age groups (ages 10-14, 15-19 and 20-24).
The results indicate that the excise tax on beer is negatively associated
with male suicides, but has no statistically significant association
with female suicides. Suicides by males ages 20-24 are positively
related to the availability of alcohol, and negatively related to
the presence of a 0.08 BAC law and a zero tolerance law for drunk
driving. Female suicides are not impacted by the availability of alcohol,
although the drunk driving laws may impact suicides by teenage females.
The findings suggest that alcohol policies may be effective in reducing
suicides, particularly among young males.
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Background: Alcohol consumption has been identified as one of
the most important risk factors for youth suicide. Previous research has
shown a strong, empirical link between alcohol use and suicide. If alcohol
use is a contributing factor in determining suicidal behaviors, then policies
designed to reduce the alcohol consumption may succeed in reducing youth
suicides as well.
Aims of the Study: This paper looks at the role of alcohol-related
policies in reducing completed suicides by American youths and young adults.
This hypothesis comes from two well established relationships: i) the
observed correlation between alcohol consumption and incidents of suicide,
and ii) the negative relationship between the full price of alcohol and
consumption. The alcohol policies examined are excise taxes on beer, measures
of alcohol availability, and drunk driving laws.
Methods: Data on completed suicides for each state in the United
States are analyzed for the period 1976-1999. Negative binomial regressions
are used to estimate a reduced form model of youth suicide. Suicides are
analyzed by gender and age groups (ages 10-14, 15-19 and 20-24).
Results: The results indicate that increases in the excise tax
on beer are associated with a reduced number of male suicides. This tax,
however, has no impact on female suicides. Suicides by males ages 20-24
are positively related to the availability of alcohol, and negatively
related to the presence of a 0.08 BAC (blood alcohol concentration) law
and a zero tolerance law for drunk driving. Female suicides are not impacted
by the availability of alcohol, although the drunk driving laws may impact
suicides by teenage females.
Implications for Health Policies: Policies designed to reduce alcohol
consumption may have the unintended benefit of reducing suicides, particularly
among young males.
Implications for Further Research: While this research shows that
alcohol policies may be successful in reducing male suicides, such policies
have little impact on female suicides. Future research should explore
other potential types of policies and programs to reduce female suicides.
Also, illegal drug use has been linked to suicides in a similar manner
as alcohol consumption. Future research should consider the role of illegal
drug consumption and related policies in determining youth suicides.
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