Hermeneutic phenomenology of alcohol use and dependence and other drugs

Abstract

This chapter seeks to explain the contributions of the Hermeneutic Phenomenology developed by the philosopher Martin Heidegger to broaden the understanding of the phenomenon of drug use in the contemporary world. Central elements of the first phase of his thought, known as the fundamental ontology, elaborated fundamentally in the work Being and Time, will be highlighted. The contributions of the second phase of his thought, called the history of the truth of Being, will also be discussed, although briefly. In synthesis, it can be said that the Hermeneutic Phenomenology inaugurates a new field of knowledge for the experience of being of Man. Experience based on existence; existence based on care; ontological care determined by temporality. From the phenomenological indications, it becomes fundamental to review and reinterpret the relationship of the human being with drugs. The use of drugs is originally related to the existential vulnerability of the human being, something impossible to be modified. Thus, instead of thinking of a prohibitionist treadmill, based exclusively on the objective of promoting abstinence, it is fundamental to think of a treadmill of care and reduction of vulnerability, always congruent with human rights and the posture of harm reduction.