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Review

Suicide, Psychoactive Substances, and Homelessness: A Scoping Review

by
Dalvan Antonio de Campos
1,
Adriano Alberti
1,*,
Carlos Eduardo Seganfredo Camargo
1,
Andréia Biolchi Mayer
1,
João Batista de Oliveira Junior
1,
Nayara Lisboa Almeida Schonmeier
1,
Rose Lampert
2,
Gabriela Kades
3,
Bruna Becker da Silva
2,
Graziela Marques Leão
2,
Duanne Alves Pereira Crivilim
4,
Ben Hur Soares
5,
Josiane Aparecida de Jesus
3,
Eloel Benetti Zavorski
3,
Renan Souza
3,
Risoni Pereira Dias de Carvalho
3,
Ana Patricia Alves Vieira
3,
Lília Aparecida Kanan
1 and
Natalia Veronez da Cunha
1
1
Graduate Program in Environment and Health, University of Planalto Catarinense—UNIPLAC, Lages 88509-900, Brazil
2
Department of Biological and Health Sciences Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça 88132-260, Brazil
3
Department of Biosciences and Health, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba 89600-000, Brazil
4
Department of Public Health, Center for Health Sciences, State University of Londrina (UEL), Avenida Robert Koch, 60–Vila Operária, Londrina 86038-350, Brazil
5
Department of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo 99052-900, Brazil
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060602
Submission received: 30 April 2025 / Revised: 30 May 2025 / Accepted: 30 May 2025 / Published: 4 June 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation)
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Abstract

Background/Objectives: The homeless population (HP) is a heterogeneous group characterized by the absence of stable and conventional housing, often relying on public spaces and deteriorated environments for shelter and survival, either temporarily or permanently. This group is exposed to multiple health vulnerabilities, with substance use disorder (SUD) identified as a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of the relationship between PAS use and suicide among homeless individuals. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using five databases: PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic, and data were extracted regarding substance use, suicide-related outcomes, and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results: The findings indicated a strong association between PAS use and increased suicidal ideation and behavior among homeless individuals, particularly among youth, men, and women. Opioids and alcohol were the most frequently reported substances in this context. Additional factors such as unemployment, exposure to violence, social inequalities, and mental health disorders further exacerbated the risk of suicide in this population Conclusions: The reviewed literature underscores the urgent need for integrated, context-sensitive interventions addressing both substance use and mental health among the homeless. Tailored public health strategies focused on prevention, harm reduction, and psychosocial support are essential to reducing suicide risk and promoting overall well-being in this highly vulnerable group.
Keywords: homelessness; homeless population; psychoactive substance use; suicidal ideation; opioid use; mental health disorders; social determinants of health; scoping review homelessness; homeless population; psychoactive substance use; suicidal ideation; opioid use; mental health disorders; social determinants of health; scoping review

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MDPI and ACS Style

de Campos, D.A.; Alberti, A.; Seganfredo Camargo, C.E.; Mayer, A.B.; de Oliveira Junior, J.B.; Almeida Schonmeier, N.L.; Lampert, R.; Kades, G.; da Silva, B.B.; Leão, G.M.; et al. Suicide, Psychoactive Substances, and Homelessness: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci. 2025, 15, 602. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060602

AMA Style

de Campos DA, Alberti A, Seganfredo Camargo CE, Mayer AB, de Oliveira Junior JB, Almeida Schonmeier NL, Lampert R, Kades G, da Silva BB, Leão GM, et al. Suicide, Psychoactive Substances, and Homelessness: A Scoping Review. Brain Sciences. 2025; 15(6):602. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060602

Chicago/Turabian Style

de Campos, Dalvan Antonio, Adriano Alberti, Carlos Eduardo Seganfredo Camargo, Andréia Biolchi Mayer, João Batista de Oliveira Junior, Nayara Lisboa Almeida Schonmeier, Rose Lampert, Gabriela Kades, Bruna Becker da Silva, Graziela Marques Leão, and et al. 2025. "Suicide, Psychoactive Substances, and Homelessness: A Scoping Review" Brain Sciences 15, no. 6: 602. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060602

APA Style

de Campos, D. A., Alberti, A., Seganfredo Camargo, C. E., Mayer, A. B., de Oliveira Junior, J. B., Almeida Schonmeier, N. L., Lampert, R., Kades, G., da Silva, B. B., Leão, G. M., Crivilim, D. A. P., Hur Soares, B., de Jesus, J. A., Zavorski, E. B., Souza, R., de Carvalho, R. P. D., Vieira, A. P. A., Kanan, L. A., & da Cunha, N. V. (2025). Suicide, Psychoactive Substances, and Homelessness: A Scoping Review. Brain Sciences, 15(6), 602. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060602

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