The Perspective of Crack Users Regarding Their Social Reintegration after the End of Treatment in Therapeutic Communities

Abstract

The use of crack cocaine has been gaining prominence in the media, because even though it’s a phenomenon that emerged little more than twenty years ago, it’s already an epidemic in Brazil. The large number of crack users represents a public health problem, affecting family, professional and social relations. This study investigated the perspectives of crack users regarding their social reintegration. The sample was composed of ten addicted men between the ages of 19 and 37, admitted to therapeutic communities for a social reintegration process. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed through Content Analysis. The main results show that studying, working with addiction and meeting the expectations of family appear to be the main objectives of this period of rehabilitation. Other concerns that were quite emphasized referred to redeeming and gaining acceptance of the family, making new friends and keeping away from old ones (partners in use). As for their professional life, most respondents cited working with recovery as a possibility. Among the reintegration strategies, community work, the quest for God and church attendance, and attending healthy environments were mentioned. Calling and/or talking with friends was cited in relation to actions to be taken in case of a break down. These results indicate that there are several aspects that surround the social reintegration of crack addicts. They also indicate different paths that can help develop new interventions to assist dependents in the recovery phase. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)