Citation

Vernaglia TVC, Cruz MS, Peres SO. Saude Soc. 2021; 30(3).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Saúde Pública da USP : Associação Paulista de Saúde Pública)

DOI

10.1590/S0104-12902021190834

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Crack abuse evidences a complex public health problem to be confronted. In this context, crack use by women exposes them to vulnerable situations. This article aims at identifying and describing the motivations to access to treatment of female crack users in a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPSad) for people with alcohol and other drug problems. This is a qualitative study that used participant observation and in-depth interviews with nine female crack users examined by thematic analysis. The results indicate that the body is used as a reason to justify the seek for treatment. Body issues directed them to treatment, such as the experiences of physical tiredness, pain, sleep deprivation, weight loss, exhaustion, fear of dying and the violence on the streets. Many of them felt these needs due to crack abuse and showed that by requesting medication and night care from health professionals' team. In conclusion, body must be understood as an important tool used by female crack users on access to treatment. © 2021, UNIV SAOPAULO. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

human; mental health; female; Mental Health; depression; social support; anxiety; suicide attempt; Gender Identity; suicidal behavior; hospitalization; gender identity; Patient Care; qualitative research; cocaine; pain; sleep deprivation; fatigue; length of stay; social aspect; psychotropic agent; health promotion; detoxification; drug information; scientific literature; drug therapy; sexually transmitted disease; exhaustion; Article; psychosocial rehabilitation; social discrimination; respiratory tract infection; thematic analysis; Crack Cocaine; fear of death; body weight loss; night care; social vulnerability; Social Vulnerability