Setting the wheels of continuing education in motion in the psychosocial care network: The challenges of caring for people suffering from psychoactive substance abuse in Brazil

Abstract

This article describes the experience of the project The Wheels of Continuing Education implemented by the Ministry of Health in in Vila Velha, Espirito Sato State, Brazil. It focuses on the experiences of the Continuing Education Discussion Circles helds between March and December 2016 with health and social service staff. The Discussion Circles discussed topics such as damage reduction, the judicialization of life, drug decriminalization and racism, and tackling the mental health crisis. The process shows that it is possible to construct care in the community with adequate staff training. The discussion circles showed themselves to be spaces that promote autonomy and freedom capable of strengthening and transforming staff practices.