Unravelling the skein of care networks on drugs: a narrative review of the literature

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 395 - 406
• Main Authors: da Costa, Pedro Henrique Antunes, Mota, Daniela Cristina Belchior, de Paiva, Fernando Santana, Ronzani, Telmo Mota
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva 01-02-2015
• Subjects: Brazil; Delivery of Health Care; Drug abuse; Health care delivery; Health Policy; Health services; Humans; Literature reviews; Mental health care; Mental Health Services; Models, Organizational; Substance abuse treatment; Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; Substance-Related Disorders - therapy; Brazil
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232015202.20682013

Heated debates on given models of treatment for drug users have raged in the halls of academia, in public policies, not to mention in the media. The care network on drugs is presented in this context as an important mechanism for users, but its construction turns out to be a challenge. Therefore, a critical analysis and narrative review of the scientific literature on the care network on drugs was conducted, seeking to pinpoint the challenges and opportunities for its consolidation. The results found include: a) a lack of specific studies on the care network on drugs; b) insufficient and disjointed coverage regarding the demand for treatment; c) the need to rethink the role of the Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and other Drugs, seeking to strengthen, expand, structurally improve and readjust their practices; d) lack of critical analysis about the construction process of care models on drugs in public services; and e) the State's responsibility to provide better alternatives to the existing panorama revealed, making progress on strengthening intersectorial actions, structuring care and improving working conditions.