ABSTRACT
Objective:
to describe and understand the conceptions of nursing assistants working in Psychosocial Care Centers for alcohol and drugs (CAPS ad), about the patient with addictions.
Method:
sixteen nursing assistants and technicians from nine of the CAPS ad in São Paulo were interviewed, and data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.
Results:
performing the functions in the CAPS ad enabled the change in staff’s conception from a stigmatizing and prejudiced view, to the concept of chemical dependence as a disease and those who are chemically dependent as patients with comorbidities and family problems, in need of help and treatment.
Conclusion:
professional practice in specialized services for alcohol and other drugs enables changes in the staff’s conceptions about chemically dependent individuals, highlighting the need to include the subject of alcohol and drugs in the school curriculum.
Key words:
Nursing, Team; Substance-Related Disorders; Mental Health Services