Getting real: report the psychoeducation experience in the chemical dependence treatment

Abstract

This article aims to describe the implementation of a proposal entitled “Getting Real/Caindona Real” within a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs problems (CAPS-Ad) for users and their families. The treatment on chemical dependence presents a great number of challenges with high dropout rates and difficulties for adhesion, thus psychoeducation can be an important tool since it provides understanding of the nature, the treatment and the aspects related to the use, abuse and dependence on psychoactive substances. It was conducted 128 consultations in the experiment, 112 with users and 16 with family members. Among the participants, 75% (n=96), qualitatively evaluated the intervention, 98% (n=94) categorized positively and 2% (n=2) negatively. Among the participating users (n=38) it was had a very satisfactory adhesion, since 34% (n=13) of these attended more than 32% of the course and 26% (n=10) reached an adhesion higher than 55% of the course. Other products were also generated, such as certificates and handouts. Through this intervention it was possible to involve the user and their families and educate them to deal with disease, making them active in this process, favoring treatment adhesion and reducing chances of relapse.