Abstract

COELHO, Celenita  and  M. DE QUEIROZ E PEREZ-RAMOS, Aidyl. Abstinence and the reduction of damages in the recovery process of dependents on psychoactive substances. Bol. - Acad. Paul. Psicol. [online]. 2008, vol.28, n.1, pp. 79-86. ISSN 1415-711X.

This essay analyses two procedures in the recovery of dependents on psychoactive substances: the abstinence periods and the reduction of damages, thus understood as moderate dependency with no harm to normal life. The materials available do not reach conclusive results, which are also scarce in the scientific community. The present contribution intends to assist in clarifying on the value of these procedures. Data obtained from the enrollment book and from the records of 43 interns under treatment of an institution of prevention and recuperation of these dependents are being studied. Results show an expressive frequency in abstinence in the program of mutual help, as a follow-up after the treatment, and a lower incidence in the the practice of the reduction of damages. They are surprising, in the first case, and very hopeful, in the second, once the latter is considered as a strategy to reach a stable abstinence. The methodology utilized not only in the treatment, but also in the follow-up period, is understood as a factor of great influence in these results.

Keywords : Drug addicts; Abstinence; Reduction of damages.

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