Mental health care technologies for treating crack users

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify mental health care technologies for treating crack users in a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and other Drugs (CAPsad, as per its acronym in Portuguese). A qualitative, evaluative case study was developed in a CAPSad, using fourth generation evaluation. Data collection occurred from January to March 2013 by means of semi-structured interviews applied to 36 subjects, these being health care professionals, patients, patients' relatives and managers. Data analysis identified the category strategies in mental health work. Results showed that recovery programs should provide spaces for dialogue, aiming to clarify the process of psychiatric internment to the user and family, and involve these in the therapy, implementing educational practices and ongoing consideration of mental health activities. In conclusion, it is important to discuss the technologies used in everyday care services, in light of the complexity of crack use.

The use of crack and other drugs by children and adolescents and their repercussions in the family environment

“…In this context, the main elements are the availability of the drug, the economic and social aspects, serious family conflict, low school performance, early initiation, inherited susceptibility and vulnerability to the effects of substances [5][6][7] . Drug abuse generates individual and collectively losses, especially family issues 8 . The family is a complex institution that brings together unique trajectories, which is expressed in diverse arrangements and unique spaces directly linked to changes in society.…”

“…In children and adolescents, drug use is more worrying. The situation directly affects the individual dimension of the young user, compromising their social relationships so that their collective and family ties tend to weaken and rupturing, marginalizing them progressively 8 . The necessary care to drug user population demanding flexibility and adaptation capabilities of the health services, with investments in infrastructure, human resources, prevention actions and intersectional articulation.…”