Empathy deficits and their behavioral, neuroanatomical, and functional connectivity correlates in smoked cocaine users.

Reduced empathic abilities are frequently observed in drug abusers. These deficits may compromise interpersonal interactions and contribute to diminished social functioning. However, previous evidence regarding empathy and addiction is behaviorally unspecific and virtually null in terms of their brain structural or functional correlates. Moreover, no previous study has investigated how empathy is affected by drugs whose consumption is particularly characterized by counter-empathic behaviors. Here, we conducted the first assessment of neurocognitive correlates of empathy for pain in dependent users (predominantly men) of smoked cocaine (SC, coca paste, n = 37). We compared their performance in the empathy task with that of two groups matched in relevant demographic variables: 24 dependent users of insufflated cocaine hydrochloride (CC) and 21 healthy controls. In addition, we explored the structural anatomy and functional connectivity (FC) correlates of empathic impairments across groups. Our results showed that, compared to CC and controls, SC users exhibited a selective reduction of empathic concern for intentional harms. These impairments were associated with lower gray matter volumes in regions subserving social cognition (i.e., right inferior parietal lobule, supramarginal and angular gyri). Furthermore, reduced empathic concern correlated with FC within affective empathy and social cognition networks, which are also linked to cognitive changes reported in addiction (i.e., inferior frontal and orbital gyri, posterior insula, supplementary motor area, cingulate cortex). Our findings suggest that chronic consumption of SC may involve reduced empathic concern and relevant neuroanatomical and FC abnormalities, which, in turn, may result in social interaction dysfunction. These results can inform theoretical and applied developments in neuropsychopharmacology.

Patterns and Correlates of New Drug Initiation among Female Exotic Dancers: The Contribution of Occupational and Structural Risks.

Introduction: Exotic dance clubs (EDCs) can play pivotal roles in the production of drug-related risks for female exotic dancers (FED). We aimed to characterize the structural and occupational factors associated with new drug initiation post-EDC entry among new FED (N = 117) in Baltimore, Maryland. Materials and Methods: Logistic regression models tested the associations of new drug uptake, measured as initiating any illicit drug (including non-prescribed and diverted prescription narcotics) not used prior to EDC employment, with structural (e.g. debt sources, housing instability) and occupational (e.g. sex work, dancing as sole income source) vulnerabilities. Results: Most FED were younger than 24 years-old (60%), identified as Black/African American (61%), and did not complete high school (56%). Twenty-nine (25%) reported using any new drug post-EDC entry, with cocaine (34%) cited most frequently among newly initiated substances. In multivariable analysis, drug initiation was significantly associated with cumulative debt sources (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.82, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.19-2.77), dancing as only income source (AOR = 4.21, CI: 1.29-13.71), and sex work (AOR = 9.26, CI: 2.74-31.32). Conclusions: Our findings implicate co-occurring structural and occupational factors in FED's initiation of illicit drugs proceeding EDC employment. Results demonstrate the coping role of drug use for FED in stressful working environments and the multiple vulnerabilities associated with illicit drug uptake. The study reinforces a need for harm reduction interventions (i.e. debt relief, employment connections, increased hourly pay) that consider the contribution of overlapping financial insecurities to the production of occupational risks motivating drug uptake.

Baseline cocaine demand predicts contingency management treatment outcomes for cocaine-use disorder.

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a significant public health issue. Behavioral interventions such as contingency management (CM) have been demonstrated to be highly effective in promoting cocaine abstinence. However, identifying individual characteristics associated with cocaine relapse may help improve treatment outcomes. Cocaine demand is a behavioral economic measure that shares a scientific foundation with CM. In the current study, we assessed baseline cocaine demand using a hypothetical cocaine purchasing task. Participants (N = 58) consisted of treatment-seeking individuals with CUD. All participants received 1 month of CM treatment for cocaine abstinence, and treatment responders were defined as presenting 6 consecutive cocaine negative urine samples from thrice weekly clinic visits. Demand data were well described by the exponentiated demand model. Indices of demand (intensity of demand [Q0], elasticity [α]) were significantly associated with recent (last 30 days) cocaine use. Importantly, linear regression revealed that CM treatment nonresponders presented significantly higher Q0 (p = .025). Subsequent quantile regression analyses examining the relationship between CM treatment response and Q0 revealed statistically reliable effects of being a nonresponder across 3 of the lower percentiles (i.e., 15, 25, and 30). Overall, these findings provide further support for the utility of exponentiated demand model. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an association between baseline demand and contingency management response and systematically extend the findings of prior demand research to a novel drug class, cocaine. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Female crack cocaine users under treatment at therapeutic communities in southern Brazil: characteristics, pattern of consumption, and psychiatric comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and describe sociodemographic characteristics, crack consumption patterns, and psychiatric comorbidities of female crack users receiving treatment at therapeutic communities. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study. Forty-six women who abstained from crack use were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), and a profile of crack use questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 31.02 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.73), most were single (76.1%), white (67.4%) and had complete or incomplete elementary education (43.5%). Before treatment, 65.2% of the women reported using crack every day; 46.3% smoked between 10 to 30 crack rocks per week. Mean treatment time was 63.56 days (SD = 75.85), with a mean of 80.41 days of abstinence (SD = 74.52) and 3.37 previous treatments (SD = 5.49). Mean age upon crack use initiation was 22.61 years (SD = 8.06), and the most frequent motivation to start using crack was curiosity (78.3%). The mean lifetime duration of crack use was 82.26 months (SD = 74.76), and the physical complications most frequently reported were weight loss (93.5%), followed by sleep problems (87%). In this study, the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses were major depressive episode (60.87%), followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (52.17%) and generalized anxiety disorder (13.07%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a pattern of high consumption of crack was observed. The results show a high frequency of mood and anxiety disorders, with the highest frequencies found for major depressive episode and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Female crack cocaine users under treatment at therapeutic communities in southern Brazil: characteristics, pattern of consumption, and psychiatric comorbidities / Mulheres usuárias de crack-cocaína em tratamento em comunidades terapêuticas no sul do Brasil: características, padrão de consumo e comorbidades psiquiátricas

Abstract Objective To explore and describe sociodemographic characteristics, crack consumption patterns, and psychiatric comorbidities of female crack users receiving treatment at therapeutic communities. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study. Forty-six women who abstained from crack use were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), and a profile of crack use questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. Results Participants had a mean age of 31.02 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.73), most were single (76.1%), white (67.4%) and had complete or incomplete elementary education (43.5%). Before treatment, 65.2% of the women reported using crack every day; 46.3% smoked between 10 to 30 crack rocks per week. Mean treatment time was 63.56 days (SD = 75.85), with a mean of 80.41 days of abstinence (SD = 74.52) and 3.37 previous treatments (SD = 5.49). Mean age upon crack use initiation was 22.61 years (SD = 8.06), and the most frequent motivation to start using crack was curiosity (78.3%). The mean lifetime duration of crack use was 82.26 months (SD = 74.76), and the physical complications most frequently reported were weight loss (93.5%), followed by sleep problems (87%). In this study, the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses were major depressive episode (60.87%), followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (52.17%) and generalized anxiety disorder (13.07%). Conclusions Overall, a pattern of high consumption of crack was observed. The results show a high frequency of mood and anxiety disorders, with the highest frequencies found for major depressive episode and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Resumo Objetivo Explorar e descrever características sociodemográficas, padrão de consumo e comorbidades psiquiátricas em mulheres usuárias de crack recebendo tratamento em comunidades terapêuticas. Método Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo. Quarenta e seis mulheres abstinentes de crack responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico, ao Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), à Entrevista Estruturada do DSM-IV para Transtornos do Eixo I (SCID-I) e a um questionário sobre padrão de consumo de crack. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas dos dados. Resultados As participantes tinham média de 31,02 anos [desvio padrão (DP) = 7,73], eram na maioria solteiras (76,1%), brancas (67,4%) e tinham ensino fundamental completo ou incompleto (43,5%). Antes do tratamento, 65,2% das mulheres relataram usar crack todos os dias; 46,3% fumavam entre 10 e 30 pedras de crack por semana. O tempo médio de tratamento foi de 63,56 dias (DP = 75,85), com média de 80,41 dias em abstinência (DP = 74,52) e 3,37 (DP = 5,49) tratamentos anteriores. A idade média de início do uso de crack foi de 22,61 anos (DP = 8,06), e a motivação mais frequente para iniciar o uso de crack foi a curiosidade (78,3%). A duração média de uso de crack na vida foi de 82,26 meses (DP = 74,76), e as complicações físicas mais frequentemente relatadas foram perda de peso (93,5%), seguida por problemas de sono (87%). Neste estudo, os diagnósticos mais prevalentes foram episódio depressivo maior (60,87%), seguido por transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (52,17%) e transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (13,07%). Conclusões Em geral, observamos um padrão de alto consumo de crack. Os resultados mostram alta frequência de transtornos de humor e ansiedade, com maiores frequências para episódio depressivo maior e transtorno de estresse pós-traumático.

A experiência da maternidade em mulheres usuárias de crack: vivência entre mãe e filho / The motherhood experience of women crack users: experiences shared between children and mothers / La experiencia de la maternidad en mujeres usuarias de crack: vivencia entre madre e hijo

Objective: The study's purpose has been to know the viewpoint of women crack users in regards to their motherhood experience. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out with five women who used crack during pregnancy. Data was collected from May to August 2014, through the participant observation, production of field diary and semi-structured interviews. The analysis process followed the Clifford Geertz Interpretivism. Results: The crack use is not a fundamental factor in the maternity process of women who do use it. Some factors may influence the relationship between mother and child, and also the women's experience during this process, such as the desire to be a mother, pregnancy planning and family context. Conclusion: It is imperative to think of intersectoral public health policies aiming to support the crack users in an integral manner, then reducing social inequality and proposing an approach that highlights the user possibilities, as well as the individual specificity and singularity

Objetivo: Conhecer a visão da mulher usuária de crack em relação a experiência da maternidade. Método: estudo qualitativo, com cinco mulheres que utilizaram crack na gestação. Dados coletados entre maio e agosto de 2014, através da observação participante, construção de diário de campo e entrevistas semiestruturadas. A análise seguiu o Interpretativismo, de Clifford Geertz. Resultados: o uso de crack não é fator fundamental no processo de maternidade das mulheres usuárias, alguns fatores podem influenciar na relação entre mãe e filho e na experiência da mulher neste processo, como o desejo de ser mãe, planejamento da gravidez e contexto familiar. Conclusão: deve-se pensar em políticas públicas de saúde intersetoriais, visando atender as usuárias de forma integral, diminuindo a desigualdade social e propondo uma abordagem que destaque as possibilidades, especificidade e singularidade do indivíduo

Objetivo: Conocer la visión de la mujer usuaria de crack en relación a la experiencia de maternidad. Método: estudio cualitativo, con cinco mujeres que utilizaron crack en la gestación. Los datos fueron recolectados entre mayo y agosto de 2014, a través de observación participante, construcción de diario de campo y entrevistas semiestructuradas. El análisis siguió el Interpretativismo de Clifford Geertz. Resultados: uso de crack no es un factor fundamental en el proceso de maternidad de las mujeres usuarias. Algunos factores pueden influenciar en la relación entre madre e hijo y en la experiencia de la mujer en este proceso, como lo deseo de ser madre, planeamiento del embarazo y contexto familiar. Conclusión: se debe pensar en políticas públicas de salud intersectoriales, visando atender a las usuarias de forma integral, reduciendo a la desigualdad social y proponiendo un abordaje que destaque las posibilidades, especificidad y singularidad del individuo

Recaída en el uso de cocaína y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud: un estudio de 23 semanas de seguimiento / Cocaine relapse and health-related quality of life: a 23 weeks study

Introducción. Las recaídas son frecuentes en la dependencia a cocaína, múltiples factores están involucrados en ellas. Además, la dependencia a cocaína se relaciona con un peor pronóstico en relación a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). Este estudio explora la CVRS percibida como un indicador de recaída en pacientes con dependencia a cocaína. Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio longitudinal en pacientes con dependencia a cocaína durante 23 semanas. En total 39 pacientes participaron (edad media 35,6 años), aunque solamente 15 completaron el periodo de seguimiento. Se utilizaron varias escalas e instrumentos psicométricos (SCID-I, SCID-II, BDI, STAI y la SF-36) en diferentes puntos del estudio. Los pacientes fueron seguidos y se evaluaron las recaídas. La muestra fue dividida de acuerdo con el momento de recaída (temprano vs. tardía). La información fue comparada y analizada para poder evaluar si la CVRS se podía relacionar con la recaída de cocaína. Resultados. Hubo diferencias en la CVRS percibida entre los pacientes con y sin recaída temprana, especialmente en las dimensiones de Salud Mental y Funcionamiento Social (p<0,05). Además, los pacientes con recaídas tardías presentaban una mejoría de la CVRS percibida si se comparaba con los que recaían de forma temprana. Conclusiones. La CVRS percibida podría predecir parcialmente las recaídas tempranas y su medición podría ser una herramienta para evaluar posibles recaídas en el futuro. Sin embargo, es necesaria más investigación en esta área

Introduction. Cocaine dependence is a disorder where relapses are frequently presented and many factors are involved. Furthermore, cocaine dependence is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. This study aims to explore perceived HRQoL as an indicator of drug relapse in cocaine-dependent patients (CDP). Subjects and Methods. A longitudinal study was carried out in CDP during 23 weeks. A consecutive sampling method was applied, 39 participants composed the initial sample (mean age 35.6 years), only 15 participants completed outpatient follow-up period. CDP were assessed with psychiatric and HRQoL instruments (SCID-I, SCID-II, BDI, STAI scale and SF-36) in different points of the study. The patients were followed up, and cocaine relapses were assessed. The sample was divided according with the relapse (early vs. late relapse). Data were compared and analyzed in order to evaluate whether HRQoL measure could be related to cocaine relapse. Results. There are differences in perceived HRQoL measures between CDP with/without early relapse, especially in Mental health and Social functioning dimensions (p<0.05). Furthermore, Late/relapse-patients have higher improvement of HRQoL than patients with early relapse. Conclusions. Perceived HRQoL might predict early relapse and could be a possible predictor tool of potential future relapses. More research in this field is needed

Social motivational processing and interpersonal function in aging cocaine smokers.

Illicit drug use among aging cohorts is increasing, yet little is known about functional impairments in older drug users. Given the importance of social integration for aging and documented social decrements in cocaine users, we examined social function and its neurocognitive substrates in aging cocaine users relative to carefully matched non-cocaine users. Regular (≥twice/week), long-term (≥15 years) cocaine smokers 50-60 years old (COCs; n = 22; four women) and controls (CTRLs; n = 19; four women) underwent standardized probes of social reward and threat processing during functional magnetic resonance imaging and a behavioral facial affect recognition task. Self-report and peer-report of daily interpersonal function were also collected. COCs, and CTRLs reporting current marijuana or alcohol use, were tested after four drug-free inpatient days. COCs had pronounced problems in daily social function relative to CTRLs indicated by both their own and their peers' reports. Compared with CTRLs, COCs had stronger amygdala responses to social threat versus control stimuli, with no other differences in social processing or cognition. Aging cocaine users appear to have marked, generalized difficulties in 'real-world' interpersonal function but largely intact social processing on laboratory-based measures when compared with appropriately matched controls and tested under well-controlled conditions. Daily social difficulties may be related to transient factors such as acute/residual drug effects or cocaine-related changes in health behaviors (e.g. disrupted sleep and poor diet). These data suggest that interpersonal function may be a valid intervention target for aging cocaine users and warrants further study in older drug users.

Lifeworld: socio-environmental influence on crack cocaine use by teenagers.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the influence of the lifeworld on crack cocaine use by teenagers undergoing treatment at the Psychosocial Care Center for users of alcohol and other drugs. METHOD: Qualitative research carried out with thirteen teenagers attended at the Psychosocial Care Center for users of alcohol and other drugs, from a municipality in the South of Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and the Comprehensive Analysis was carried out from the Phenomenology of the Social World of Alfred Schütz. RESULTS: In the lifeworld, there is influence of the community to which the teenager belongs; of the family, by the excess of permissibility and being in an environment of drug use and violence; and the school, where it is influenced by individuals to consume them. CONCLUSION: Elements from the lifeworld influence the teenager for the consumption of crack cocaine, being necessary actions contextualized with their world of life.

Evaluation of families of crack users in relation to support groups.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the perception of the relatives of crack users in relation to the support groups offered to this population in a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs in the South of Brazil. METHOD: the fourth-generation theoretical framework was used for evaluation, having as methodological device the hermeneutical-dialectic circle. Data collection occurred through 500 hours of observations and interviews with 12 relatives of crack users, and the comparative constant method was used in the analysis, generating the "family group" unit of meaning. RESULTS: this group was regarded by the family members as a space for guidance on the management of users in their home environment. They reported the need for a basic structure to conduct the groups, greater duration of the meetings, confidentiality of information and diversity of timetables. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: investment in education and training of nursing professionals focused on group care is suggested to the education institutions.

Portraits on the crack user built by the media.

OBJECTIVE: evaluate how the crack user is portrayed by the media. METHOD: qualitative study, using fourth generation evaluation. The data were collected in interviews and field observations in a mental health network service of the Porto Alegre-RS metropolitan area. The participants were 10 users, 11 family members, 08 health service professionals and 07 managers. RESULTS: the findings revealed that media relates the crack user profile to violence, crime and disease, which does not correspond to the reality experienced in the health service. This image disregards the different ways of using the drug and the different productions of life of these individuals, increasing social exclusion and stigma. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The challenge is to build shared, integrated, clear and honest information.

Sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse em usuários de drogas em tratamento em comunidades terapêuticas / Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in drug users undergoing treatment in therapeutic communities / Síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés en usuarios de drogas en tratamiento en comunidades terapéuticas

Sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse podem interferir negativamente no progresso do tratamento de usuários de substâncias. Este estudo objetivou avaliar os níveis de depressão, ansiedade e estresse em homens e mulheres em tratamento em Comunidades Terapêuticas, relacionando tais níveis com o tipo de substância utilizada e dados sociodemográficos. Utilizou-se um Questionário de Dados Sociodemográficos e de Uso de Drogas e a escala DASS-21. Participaram 115 homens e 53 mulheres, em tratamento, totalizando 168 indivíduos, com idade média de 32 anos (DP = 8,7). A maioria eram usuários de tabaco e crack, este último associado às mulheres. Identificou-se que os usuários de tabaco e os usuários de drogas que não tinham emprego se associaram a níveis mais altos dos sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Conclui-se que tais estratégias podem auxiliar na diminuição dos sintomas avaliados pelo DASS-21, melhorando as condições de vida para o enfrentamento do transtorno por uso de substâncias. (AU)

Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress may interfere negatively in the progress of treatment of substance abusers. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of depression, anxiety and stress in men and women undergoing treatment for substance use disorder in therapeutic communities, relating such levels with the type of substance used and sociodemographic data. We used a Sociodemographic and Drug Use Data Questionnaire and the DASS-21. Participants included 115 men and 53 women on treatment (M=32 years; SD=8.7). Most were users of tobacco and crack, the latter associated with women. Tobacco and other drug users who were unemployed were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in the DASS-21. The results do not allow a causal relationship between the variables, but highlight the relevance of including in the treatments, strategies for smoking cessation and professional reintegration. Such strategies may help to reduce the symptoms evaluated by the DASS-21, improving living conditions for coping with substance use disorders. (AU)

Los síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés pueden afectar de forma negativa el progreso del tratamiento de usuarios de drogas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los niveles de estos síntomas en los hombres y las mujeres en tratamiento en Comunidades Terapéuticas, relacionando tales niveles con el tipo de sustancia utilizada y datos sociodemográficos. Se utilizó un Cuestionario sobre Datos Sociodemográficos y Uso de Drogas y escala DASS-21. Participaron 115 hombres y 53 mujeres en tratamiento, con edad media de 32 años, DP = 8,7). La mayoría eran consumidores de tabaco y crack, este último asociado a las mujeres. Los usuarios de drogas y tabaco que no tenían empleo, se asociaron a niveles más altos de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Se concluye que tales estrategias pueden auxiliar en la disminución de los síntomas evaluados por la DASS-21, mejorando las condiciones de vida para el enfrentamiento de los trastornos por uso de sustancias. (AU)

Portraits on the crack user built by the media / Retratos construidos por los medios de comunicación sobre el usuario de crack / Retratos construídos pela mídia sobre o usuário de crack

ABSTRACT Objective: evaluate how the crack user is portrayed by the media. Method: qualitative study, using fourth generation evaluation. The data were collected in interviews and field observations in a mental health network service of the Porto Alegre-RS metropolitan area. The participants were 10 users, 11 family members, 08 health service professionals and 07 managers. Results: the findings revealed that media relates the crack user profile to violence, crime and disease, which does not correspond to the reality experienced in the health service. This image disregards the different ways of using the drug and the different productions of life of these individuals, increasing social exclusion and stigma. Final considerations: The challenge is to build shared, integrated, clear and honest information.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar cómo el usuario de crack es retratado por los medios de comunicación. Método: estudio cualitativo, utilizando la evaluación de cuarta generación. Los datos fueron recolectados en entrevistas y observaciones de campo en un servicio de la red de salud mental del área metropolitana de Porto Alegre-RS. Participaron 10 usuarios, 11 familiares, 08 profesionales del servicio de salud y 07 gestores. Resultados: Los resultados revelaron que los medios de comunicación divulgan un perfil del usuario de crack vinculado a la violencia, la criminalidad y la enfermedad, lo que no corresponde a la realidad vivida en el servicio de salud. Esta imagen desconsidera las diferentes maneras de uso de la droga y las diferentes producciones de vida de esos individuos, aumentando la exclusión social y el estigma. Consideraciones finales: el desafío es construir informaciones compartidas, integradas, claras y honestas.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar como o usuário de crack é retratado pela mídia. Método: estudo qualitativo, utilizando-se avaliação de quarta geração. Os dados foram coletados em entrevistas e observações de campo em um serviço da rede de saúde mental da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre-RS. Os participantes foram 10 usuários, 11 familiares, oito profissionais do serviço de saúde e sete gestores. Resultados: os achados revelaram que a mídia divulga um perfil do usuário de crack ligado à violência, criminalidade e doença, o que não corresponde à realidade vivenciada no serviço de saúde. Essa imagem desconsidera as diferentes maneiras de uso da droga e as diferentes produções de vida desses indivíduos, aumentando a exclusão social e o estigma. Considerações finais: o desafio é construir informações compartilhadas, integradas, claras e honestas.

Evaluation of families of crack users in relation to support groups / Evaluación de las familias de usuarios de crack en el grupo de apoyo / Avaliação das famílias de usuários de crack sobre grupo de apoio

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the perception of the relatives of crack users in relation to the support groups offered to this population in a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs in the South of Brazil. Method: the fourth-generation theoretical framework was used for evaluation, having as methodological device the hermeneutical-dialectic circle. Data collection occurred through 500 hours of observations and interviews with 12 relatives of crack users, and the comparative constant method was used in the analysis, generating the "family group" unit of meaning. Results: this group was regarded by the family members as a space for guidance on the management of users in their home environment. They reported the need for a basic structure to conduct the groups, greater duration of the meetings, confidentiality of information and diversity of timetables. Final considerations: investment in education and training of nursing professionals focused on group care is suggested to the education institutions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la percepción de los familiares de usuarios de crack sobre grupos de apoyo ofertados a ese núcleo de cuidado en un CAPS (Centro de Atención Psicosocial) Alcohol y Drogas del sur de Brasil. Método: se utilizó el referencial teórico de la evaluación de cuarta generación, teniendo como dispositivo metodológico el círculo hermenéutico-dialéctico. La recolección de datos ocurrió a través de 500 horas de observaciones y entrevistas con 12 familiares de usuarios de crack, y en el análisis se utilizó el método comparativo constante, que generó la unidad de significado "grupo de familia". Resultados: ese grupo fue evaluado por los familiares como un espacio que instrumentaliza para el manejo del usuario en domicilio. Evaluaron la necesidad de estructura básica para la realización de los grupos, de mayor duración de los encuentros, de sigilo de las informaciones y de diversidad de horarios. Consideraciones finales: se sugiere a las instituciones de enseñanza inversiones en la formación y en la calificación de profesionales de enfermería dirigidos a la atención en grupo.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a percepção dos familiares de usuários de crack sobre grupos de apoio ofertados a esse núcleo de cuidado em um Caps Álcool e Drogas do sul do Brasil. Método: utilizou-se o referencial teórico da avaliação de quarta geração, tendo como dispositivo metodológico o círculo hermenêutico-dialético. A coleta de dados ocorreu através de 500 horas de observações e entrevistas com 12 familiares de usuários de crack, e na análise foi utilizado o método comparativo constante, que gerou a unidade de significado "grupo de família". Resultados: esse grupo foi avaliado pelos familiares como um espaço que instrumentaliza para o manejo do o usuário em domicílio. Avaliaram a necessidade de estrutura básica para a realização dos grupos, de maior duração dos encontros, de sigilo das informações e de diversidade de horários. Considerações finais: sugere-se às instituições de ensino investimentos na formação e na qualificação de profissionais da enfermagem voltados para o atendimento em grupo.

Lifeworld: socio-environmental influence on crack cocaine use by teenagers / Mundo de la vida: la influencia socioambiental para el consumo de crack por adolescentes / Mundo da vida: influência socioambiental para o consumo de crack por adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the influence of the lifeworld on crack cocaine use by teenagers undergoing treatment at the Psychosocial Care Center for users of alcohol and other drugs. Method: Qualitative research carried out with thirteen teenagers attended at the Psychosocial Care Center for users of alcohol and other drugs, from a municipality in the South of Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and the Comprehensive Analysis was carried out from the Phenomenology of the Social World of Alfred Schütz. Results: In the lifeworld, there is influence of the community to which the teenager belongs; of the family, by the excess of permissibility and being in an environment of drug use and violence; and the school, where it is influenced by individuals to consume them. Conclusion: Elements from the lifeworld influence the teenager for the consumption of crack cocaine, being necessary actions contextualized with their world of life.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender la influencia del mundo de la vida en el consumo de crack por adolescentes en tratamiento en un Centro de Atención Psicosocial para usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas. Método: Investigación cualitativa realizada con trece adolescentes atendidos en el Centro de Atención Psicosocial para usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas de un municipio del Sur de Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas y el Análisis Comprensivo se realizó a partir de la Fenomenología Social de Alfred Schütz. Resultado: En el mundo de la vida, hay influencia de la comunidad a la que pertenece el adolescente; de la familia, por el exceso de permisibilidad y ser ambiente de uso de drogas y violencia; y de la escuela, donde es influenciado por los individuos a consumirlos. Conclusión: Los elementos del mundo de la vida influencian los adolescentes al consumo de crack, y son necesarias acciones contextualizadas con su mundo de la vida.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a influência do mundo da vida no consumo de crack por adolescentes em tratamento em Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para usuários de álcool e outras drogas. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa realizada com treze adolescentes atendidos no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para usuários de álcool e outras drogas, de um município do Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e a Análise Compreensiva realizou-se a partir da Fenomenologia Social de Alfred Schütz. Resultado: No mundo da vida, há influência da comunidade a qual o adolescente pertence; da família, pelo excesso de permissibilidade e estar em ambiente de uso de drogas e violência; e da escola, onde é influenciado por indivíduos a consumi-las. Conclusão: Elementos do mundo da vida influenciam o adolescente para o consumo de crack, sendo necessárias ações contextualizadas com seu mundo da vida.

The Curious (Dis)Connection between the Opioid Epidemic and Crime.

Drug epidemics often bring with them an accompanying rise in crime. The heroin wave of the 1970's and crack crisis of the 1980's were each accompanied by major gun violence, including large numbers of murders and violent property crimes. The current United States opioid epidemic, however, has not been associated with either a rise in homicide or in property crime. In fact, crime rates have been declining for decades, and are now less than half their 1991 peak, despite an unprecedented spike of opioid overdose deaths that began in the late 1990's. These facts do not fit with the usual narrative about the link between drug addiction and criminal behavior. While the drugs-crime connection has always been far more nuanced than the way it is typically portrayed, there wasn't such a glaring disconnect between reality and mythology during the drug epidemics of the 1970's and 1980's. The mystery of the missing opioid crime explosion offers unique insight into the myths and realities of drug addiction. To explore this issue further, this commentary briefly summarizes the drugs-crime connection, contrasts the current opioid crisis with drug epidemics of the past, and provides possible explanations for the absence of an opioid-fueled crime wave.

Characteristics of clients using a community-based drug treatment service ('CAPS-AD') in Brazil: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Substance use is common in Brazil. In order to improve availability of substance misuse care services, over 400 Psycho-Social Care Centres for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS-AD) - providing community-based care - have been established following mental health care reform (2001). Information on CAPS-AD clients and outcomes is limited. The present study examined select characteristics of local CAPS-AD clients. METHODS: N=143 adult CAPS-AD clients in Ceilândia (suburb of Brasília, Federal District) participated in a 1-week 'snapshot' assessment of service users (February 2015). Following consent, descriptive data were collected by a brief, anonymous interviewer-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic, drug use, treatment history and needs/barriers information. RESULTS: Participants were predominantly male; middle-aged; unemployed; married; with middle-school education; primary problem drugs indicated were alcohol and cocaine/crack; half had prior treatment histories and indicated that treatment was externally motivated; 60% reported ways to improve treatment and possible reasons for treatment discontinuation; in multi-variate analyses, the latter was associated with employment and education status (both p<.05). CONCLUSION: CAPS-AD services appear to have increased low-barrier substance misuse treatment availability in Brazil, as well as attract individuals new to the treatment system. Various potential barriers to continuing in treatment should be addressed and more research on CAPS-AD clients and outcomes is needed.