Backgrounds: The aim of this study was to investigate risk and protective factors of suicide attempt in male prisoner with substance abuse or dependence.Methods: In a correlational design from Tehran prison population 230 participants were enrolled in study. We assessed participants with Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Brief symptom inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Reasons for Living.Findings: Findings showed that the life time prevalence of suicide attempt was 42%, the main way for suicide attempt was self-poisoning, the life-time prevalence of overdose was 27% and in 15% of participants the main motive in overdose was dying. Group comparisons showed participants with history of suicide attempt have significant differences with non-attempters in terms of coping and survival beliefs, moral objections, social disapproval and trait mindfulness. Logistic regression showed that poly drug substance abuse history, beliefs about coping & survival and family responsibility predict history of suicide attempt.Conclusion: Suicide attempt was a relatively common problem in male prisoner with substance abuse and dependence. Abusing more than one kind of substance and beliefs related to reasons for living were the main risk and protective factor in suicide attempt in male prisoners with substance abuse and dependence.