Abstract

LIMA, Deivson Wendell da Costa et al. The meaning and relations of elderly with drugs. SMAD, Rev. Eletrônica Saúde Mental Álcool Drog. (Ed. port.) [online]. 2017, vol.13, n.3, pp. 132-139. ISSN 1806-6976.  http://dx.doi.org/10.11606/issn.1806-6976.v13i3p132-139.

This study aims to understand the meanings the elderly attribute to drug use. This is descriptive qualitative research conducted with seven people monitored by the Psychosocial Care Center Alcohol and other Drugs. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to Bardin’s content analysis. The drug appears needed to build bonds or to fill the void created by affective losses. Drug use triggers physical strain and psychological suffering, leading to the search for medical, religious and psychosocial treatment. A breakthrough is necessary in understanding the use of drugs beyond dependency in the elderly, considering the meanings of such use and the unique experiences of these people.

Keywords : Elderly; Drugs; Relations.

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