Suicidal ideation and driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana among U.S. adults: Findings from the 2021-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Abstract

Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts may exhibit reduced self-preservation, increased impulsivity, or a greater tendency toward risk-taking behaviors -factors that could plausibly elevate the likelihood of driving under the influence. Suicidal ideation has also been linked to diminished engagement in safety-promoting behaviors such as seatbelt use and reduced health-promoting attitudes and behaviors. The present study investigates the association between suicidal ideation with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) and marijuana (DUIM) among US adults. Data are responses (N = 173,808) from the 2021-2023 National Drug Use and Health survey. This study included adults 18 and older (unweighted N = 139,524). Multivariate logistic regression models assessed relationships between SI and alcohol or marijuana DUI, adjusting for past year major depressive episode, substance use frequency, tobacco use, age, sex, survey year, education, annual household income, and metro area. The majority of respondents (71 %) were 35 years old or older, 16 % were 26-34, 13 % were between 18 and 25, and about half (49 %) identified as male. Approximately 6 % reported past-year DUIA, and 5 % reported DUIM. Individuals with past-year SI had higher odds of DUIA (aOR=1.43, 95 % CI: 1.21-1.69) and DUIM (aOR=1.52, 95 % CI: 1.29-1.79) after adjusting for covariates. Our findings highlight that past-year SI is associated with higher odds of DUIA and DUIM. Implementing SI screening and interventions could indirectly address rates of DUI.