Motivations for attempted suicide by women using drugs

Abstract

Introduction: The scientific literature has pointed out an association between drug use and a higher risk of suicide in men and women. A gender focus is necessary to understand the intentions that women who have already attempted suicide attribute to this attitude because the way people act revelation has an intentional sense. Objective: To understand the reasons that lead women who use drugs to attempt suicide. Methods: Phenomenological study, developed in a Psychosocial Care Center for alcohol and drugs, with 12 female drug users. Data collection took place through phenomenological interviews, which were analyzed from the perspective of Alfred Schütz's Social Phenomenology. Results: The suicide attempt by women was motivated by depression due to situations of violence and conflicting relationships and the losses experienced in their lives. The reasons for the suicide attempt are linked to the women's life history and not only to the phenomenon of drug use. Conclusion: Thus, understanding the reasons and the women's life history made it possible to identify suicidal risk behavior and plan the actions of health professionals according to the health needs of these women.