Características de crianças usuárias de substâncias psicoativas descritas pela própria criança

Abstract

In Brazil there is a population of children who use drugs. However, very few studies address this issue. This study aimed to characterize the child who uses psychoactive substance and is attended by Unit of Treatment for Children and Teenagers Using Alcohol and Other Drugs (UTCA) based on the child's own reports. UTCA is a hospital service that belongs to the mental health network of the state Espírito Santo. Data were collected from interviews with three children and were analyzed using content analysis. The results indicate the frequency of drug use among the children who participated in the study, factors associated with drug use and how children describe the service offered by UTCA.