The purpose of this study was to identify and discuss the triggering factors for drug abuse in women. This descriptive qualitative study was developed with 12 women from three municipalities in the state of Paraná, referred to a toxicological care center, between 2008 and 2010. Data were collected from the toxicological occurrence forms of the medical records, and from the script of the semi-structured interviews applied during home visits, and submitted to thematic content analysis. Most women had pardo race/skin color, were aged between 17 and 33 years, and lived in common-law marriage. The triggering factors for drug abuse were related with the individual characteristics of the women and sociocultural factors. The factors that stood out were younger groups, low level of education, low participation in the labor market, family conflicts, and drug dealing and use by spouses and relatives. A weak emotional bond was identified, with inadequate family dynamics. Friends, relatives, and spouses have favored the addictive behavior.
Causality; Addictive; behavior; Illicit drugs; Substance-related disorders
