Cocaine-Related Suicide Attempts in Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil: Toxicological Profile and Temporal Analyses

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is a common method for suicide or suicide attempts. In this context, drug use, including cocaine, is described as a risk factor. Therefore, the use of cocaine in suicide attempts by self-poisoning should be investigated. METHODS: Data from poisoning cases registered by a Brazilian Poison Center between 2005 and 2024 were collected. Only suicide attempt cases involving cocaine as a toxic agent were selected. Demographic and toxicological variables were analyzed. Temporal analysis was carried out to verify changes along the analyzed period. RESULTS: A total of 1,089 cases of cocaine-related suicide attempts were registered. Approximately 64.1% were males, and young adults (20-39 years old) were the most prevalent age group (73.7%). An ARIMA model indicated that the number of observed cases from 2020 onwards was higher than expected, considering data up to 2019. An increase of 1,833% in cocaine-related suicide attempts over a 20-year period was assessed. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a marked rise in cocaine-related suicide attempts in recent years, with a clear shift during the COVID-19 pandemic. The predominant profile is men aged 20-39 years.