A new doctoral study from Norway shows that treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorder are shaped by who the patient is, including cognitive functioning, personality traits and gender-specific challenges. The findings point to a clear need for more tailored treatment approaches.

World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) focuses on Changing the Narrative on Suicide. NordAN highlights a neglected part of that story: alcohol. Acute intoxication impairs judgment and raises the risk of suicidal behaviour, and alcohol use disorder is linked to higher rates of attempts and deaths. Changing the narrative means replacing “drink to cope” with real support, integrating alcohol screening into care, and advancing population policies that reduce harm.