This research examines how alcohol affects the severity and outcomes of suicide attempts among military service members and veterans. By analyzing documented attempts and personal narratives, the study reveals that alcohol often increases impulsivity and lethality, while occasionally interrupting attempts unintentionally, highlighting the need for alcohol-aware suicide prevention strategies.

Police are increasingly the first responders to mental-distress calls despite minimal mental-health training. Through ride-alongs, interviews and analysis, the research shows people in crisis often receive coercive, criminal-justice responses instead of care. The work calls for major investment in mental-health services and redesigned systems to ensure appropriate, compassionate support.