Level of Depression and Suicidal Tendency among Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Adults

Worldwide, alcohol consumption has increased in recent decades, with all or most of that increase occurring in developing countries. Suicide is an escalating public health problem, and use of alcohol has consistently been implicated in the precipitation of suicidal behaviour. The main objective of present study was to compare the level of depression and the suicidal tendency among alcoholic and non-alcoholic adults. For this purpose, the investigator has selected sample of 30 alcoholic and 30 non-alcoholic male adults (18 to 25 years) from various drug de-addiction centres of Surat district. All the alcoholic adults were screened by medical experts. Depression was measured through Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI), Similarly, the Suicidal tendency was measured through Suicidal Tendency Scale (S.T.S.) developed by Bhatt D. J. and Meghnathi R.G. Findings of present research revealed that level of depression and suicidal tendency were high among alcoholic adults. Depressive and alcoholic adults should be screened for other psychiatric symptoms and for suicidal ideation.Intervention programs must take into account to reduce drinking habits and should strengthen healthy behavioural patterns.