The objective of this study is to characterize the learning situation of nursing students with regard to psychotropic drugs. Students from a public and a private school were interviewed. Data analysis was thematic. The results do not suggest substantial differences between the schools regarding: learning centered on psychophar-macology; influence of media and use of common sense in the epidemiology; motivations and problems related to drug use; myth repetition and prejudice of users; disrespect of the social conflicts that involve drug problems. It is necessary to improve education on this topic so that students will have adequate knowledge to act as professionals.
Nursing education; Street drugs; Prejudice