Usuários de crack: prevalência e perfil de pacientes em tratamento em comunidades terapêuticas (CTS) na cidade de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Introduction: Although substances such as alcohol and tobacco will be highlighted as the most abused drugs in Brazil in recent years there is a greater concern for crack users. Therapeutic Communities (TCs) has excelled currently as an important ally of attention to the drug user 's public health system, but little is known about the population served in these services. Objectives: a) To estimate the prevalence of crack users in the population seeking specialized treatment in TCs in the city of Juiz de Fora, b) assess the profile of crack users in treatment in TCs and c) Describe the physical, psychological symptoms and treatment outcomes of TCs. Methods: Three studies were conducted. In study 1 (prevalence), transverse, all individuals who entered the TCs within two months were interviewed using the ASSIST and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The proportion of crack users was compared to users of other drugs. In study 2 (profile) 72 patients over 18 years who met criteria indicative of addiction to crack , seeking treatment in TCs were included. Was characterized as a cross-sectional study in which subjects were interviewed using the ASSIST, ASI6 and sociodemographic questionnaire instruments. In study 3, a longitudinal study in which 42 patients TCs were accompanied by a psychologist weekly between one to 24 weeks was performed, physical, psychological symptoms and treatment outcomes were recorded in a semi-structured form. Results: In study 1, 82.4 % had a suggestive use of crack. Study 2 showed that the main profile was formed by men, unmarried, aged 30, who does not work with school delay, belonging to the middle class Protestant religion. In the third study was the most prevalent symptom of anxiety and depression with which remained over the course of treatment. At treatment initiation, a period withdrawal focused symptoms, especially cough and craving for tobacco. Discussion: With this study we obtained an understanding of the user population crack seeking specialized treatment in TCs in Juiz de Fora, enabling a better discussion of proposals for the improvement of interventions and treatment plans for crack users TCs, intending thereby encourage other studies on TCs.