Informative group: Harm reduction strategies for people apprehended for illicit drug consumption and/or possession

Abstract

This paper presents the outcome of an interdisciplinary experiment developed by students and their counselor from the Education by Work for Health Program (PET-Health), nominated Informative Group. This program was designed for people sent by the judicial system to participate in Educational Measures after being apprehended for illicit drug consumption and/or possession. The program location, the Psychosocial Attention Center for alcohol and other drugs (Salvador-BA), was selected in accordance with the principles of harm reduction (HR). The main goal was for the participants and facilitators to share knowledge, information, and experiences related to drug use in a space where these ideas could be freely expressed. The results suggested that care tailored to the differences and unique issues of each participant improved attendance, cleared up questions related to drug use, and helped define case-appropriate HR strategies.