Means of Suicide

Firearms were the most common means of suicide in the United States in 2023, followed by suffocation and drug poisoning.








Firearms were used in over half of all suicides among males in 2023. Suffocation accounted for nearly a quarter (24 percent) of suicides among males.








Among females, firearms were the most common means of suicide in 2023. Suicide by means of firearm, drug poisoning, and suffocation accounted for almost nine in ten suicides.








In 2023, firearms were the most common means of suicide for males of all age groups. Firearms were used in over three-quarters of suicide deaths among males over age 65. Suicide by means of firearm or suffocation accounted for over 8 in 10 suicide deaths among males in all age groups.








Females of different age groups used different means of suicide in 2023. Younger females were most likely to die by suffocation, while older females were more likely to die by means of firearm or drug poisoning.









The Scope of the Problem charts and graphs are also available as a PowerPoint presentation.