I made a decision to quit drinking alcohol. Forever. Actually, it's not that big of a deal for me because I am one of the lucky people who does not have a problem with alcohol. I liked a good beer or glass of wine occasionally but maybe that was a few times a year. So it's not a big deal for me and really isn't much of a sacrifice. I just want to do it because I'm fucking pissed at alcohol and the damage it has done to so many of my loved ones, including Cheyne. And I just want to make a statement. I realize alcohol is not ALL bad and can be enjoyed in moderation and have nothing against people who drink alcohol, so please, no judgement, and even though I don't get invited to parties much (because people know I don't drink most likely), don't let that stop you from inviting me to a cool gathering, because I know how to have fun without it! Alcohol is one of the things that contributed to Cheyne's passing, so I'm doing it for him and for all the other people out there who have depression and alcohol related problems. Here are a few stats for you:
Alcohol and Suicide go hand in hand, a huge problem that can be prevented. One third of all US suicides involve alcohol. That’s 2,500 lives that could have been saved with proper treatment and rehabilitation. An adult alcoholic is 120 times more likely to commit suicide than an adult non-alcoholic. The single most involved factor in suicide… you guessed it. Alcohol abuse is an epidemic. Suicide is an epidemic. Unfortunately, the two are linked in numerous ways, but therefore, treatment for one assists greatly in treatment for the other.
Because alcohol is the most common factor involved with suicide, and because alcohol abusers are so much more likely to commit suicide than non-abusers, it is safe to say that a large percentage of suicides can be prevented by treating alcoholism. Unfortunately, it also proves the relationship between the two.
Because alcohol makes people act more impulsively, previous suicidal thought may evolve into action with the use of alcohol. Because alcohol inhibits the ability to reason, drunken people do not fully realize consequences, and are 120 times more likely to commit suicide. Regular alcohol abuse causes depression, which is the main emotional factor in suicide. Shameful acts are performed while abusing alcohol and these acts may lead to suicidal feelings or actions. Accidental suicide is not to be forgotten about, which includes alcohol poison deaths, and is extremely more likely while abusing alcohol than not. Drinking causes countless issues in people’s lives, and may cause some to believe suicide to be the only option.
“Alcohol increases impulsivity and decreases inhibition. It increases negative self-image and decreases self-esteem; deepens depression and social isolation; and rises with the amount and length of time alcohol is consumed. Alcohol use fosters either/or and all or nothing thinking, and a lower concern for the future consequences of one’s actions. Many suicide attempts occur during binge drinking.”
There you have it. So, I'm done with it.