Objective To understand the reasons that lead men who use alcohol and other drugs to attempt suicide. Methods Qualitative research at an alcohol and psychosocial drugs support centre (CAPSad) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in December of 2011, with 11 men who use alcohol and other drugs and who attempted suicide. Data were collected by means of phenomenological interviewing. The phenomenological sociology of Alfred Schütz was used to analyse and interpret the interview statements. Results The results led to three categories: attempted suicide triggered by alcohol and drug use; attempted suicide triggered by the family lifeworld; and attempted suicide triggered by everyday feelings. Conclusion We found that alcohol and drug abuse and the different life circumstances of men in their families and social relationships contributed to the suicide attempt.