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Background: It is well demonstrated that alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk of suicide and that attempted suicide is prevalent among alcohol abusers. This study aimed at examining the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide among alcohol abusers admitted for detoxification and to assess clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who reported such suicidal behavior, and finally to explore to what extent there are made agreements for these patients regarding continued treatment and care subsequent to alcohol detoxification. Data and methods: Data from 508 patients admitted to a detoxification clinic were collected by a standard patient questionnaire. The data comprised information about suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, socio-demographics, mental health and agreements regarding continued treatment and care after detoxification. Results Among the patients to answered questions about suicidal behavior (n= 342/337), a total of 30 % had ever tried to take their own life and 52% had ever had periods with severe suicidal ideation, whereas 46 % reported to have had severe suicidal ideation in the past 4 weeks. Suicide attempts and severe suicidal ideation were more frequently reported by patients who also reported severe depression, anxiety or hallucinations. For one in five patients no agreements were made for any form of treatment or care after detoxification and this proportion was somewhat higher among those with severe suicidal ideation during the 4 weeks prior to admission. Interpretation The findings are in line with those from previous studies, and suggest that suicidal behaviour needs to be systematically surveyed among patients with alcohol abuse. Moreover, further knowledge about continuity in treatment and care in this patient group is warranted.

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