Trends of Hospital Admissions for Mental Disorders Due To Alcohol and Psychoactive Substance Use in Brazil

Given the national and global contexts of alcohol consumption and the use of other psychoactive substances, this study aimed to analyze the trend of hospitalizations for mental disorders associated with alcohol and other psychoactive substances in Brazil from 2008 to 2023. An ecological time series study was conducted on hospitalizations for mental disorders (MD) related to alcohol or other psychoactive substances within the Brazilian public health system over this period. Hospitalizations for MD related to alcohol consumption have shown a downward trend in recent years, predominantly affecting males, individuals who self-identify as white, and those aged between 20 and 59 years. In contrast, hospitalizations for MD related to the use of other psychoactive substances are on the rise, with an increasing prevalence among females; individuals of black, mixed-race, or Indigenous background, and those aged 60 years or older. The conclusions highlight emerging profiles that require greater attention for integration into user assistance, guiding public and health policies to minimize societal impacts.