CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IN THE STUDY OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICIES: AN EXAMPLE FROM CHANGES IN DRUG POLICY IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, drug policies have undergone changes over time, bearing marks for each historical period and experienced sanitary-political interest. With the rise of conservatism in the country, an anti-reformist character was perceived in changes concentrated in Law no 13,840, of June 5, 2019. Thus, the analysis of this law was listed in order to identify the intentionality of its speech about the new mental health care provided to drug users and dependents; Goals: To report the experience of studying a normative document on drugs based on Critical Discourse Analysis; Methods: Documentary research with a qualitative approach to Law no 13,840 and Message no 239 using the Fairclough method for three-dimensional analysis of the components: text, discursive practice and social practice of discourse; Results: Biopower and life control strategies were identified for people who use psychoactive substances in the normative discourse. The promotion of abstinence through the insertion of Therapeutic Communities reflects the current political intent. The emptying of social control in decision-making spheres in general is also identified; Conclusions Threats to the MRPB’s achievements are identified through the contradictions of the discourse in politics, influencing the development of oppressive care practices.