Experiences and meanings of the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs: the perspective of users of the psychosocial care network

Abstract

This is a descriptive, exploratory study, of qualitative approach, to know in depth the experience of people in harmful use of alcohol and other drugs linked to points of care of the Psychosocial Care Network of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The sample was intentional by saturation, gathering thirteen adult participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and then analyzed according to Bardin's thematic content analysis, resulting in four categories: losses and failure in life; guilt; life and death dualism - from ashes to phoenix; relapse. It was evident that the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs refers to losses in the family, housing, work, dignity; to the meanings of destruction and failure. Relapse is seen as failure and sin, echoed by guilt, impotence, self-stigma. The suffering goes through the tightrope of life and the unsuccessful attempts to search for care; it reverberates in the loss of the meaning of life and suicidal behavior; or, in the exhibition of faith and resilience (with a form of resistance, re-existence), vivifying hope-equilibrist.