Alterity and Identity Refusal: The Construction of the Image of the Crack User1

Abstract

The discourse disseminated in the media shows the user of crack as dependent or criminal. This study’s aim was to analyze the construction of otherness around the image of crack users. We interviewed 14 crack users in different places and the data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The participants’ reports suggest that the image of crack users is established based on alterity, in which the individual in this condition does not recognize him/herself. Thus, even though users contend that their actions are not determined by the standards provided by their interactional networks, hegemonic representations concerning their contexts of use attest that these activities concerning crack are just as they are perceived to be. Therefore, even though they have other experiences with the drug, these participants believe that the use of crack provides a destructive pleasure and impedes voluntary action.

“If the Barn Is Burning, Let the House Burn as Well”

“…Drug users generally represent a marginalized group that suffers from criminalizing, pathologizing, and social exclusion (Anderson & Levy, 2003; de Lima Acioli Neto & de Fatima de Souza Santos, 2014; Green & Moore, 2013). In the process of identity construction, the users face a profound conflict: On one hand, they disregard accepted social values, but on the other hand, they feel ashamed of assuming marginal place in society.…”

Discourse of psychoactive substance dependents on their discursively constructed image

“…Dependence on alcohol and other drugs has always been represented in the social imaginary as a problem associated with crime and danger (1)(2)(3)(4) . This fact reinforces the construction of a collective discourse permeated with stigma and prejudice related to people who consume psychoactive substances (3)(4) , which in turn, triggers the marginalization and social segregation of this specific population that receives moralistic and stigmatizing denominations, such as marginal and vagabond (1,5) .…”

“…Considering such issues, in the social imaginary, dependent people or drug abusers assume social positions assigned to them and can take the place of a sick, transgressive, marginal, vagabond, crazy or dangerous person (1,5) .…”

Traçando o Perfil de uma Amostra de Usuárias de Crack em Tratamento

“…No Brasil, as primeiras descrições que versam sobre o perfil do usuário de crack têm seu início em 1990, ano em que o crack chegou ao país, especialmente na cidade de São Paulo, na região da Estação da Luz, conhecida como "Cracolândia" (Aciole Neto & Santos, 2014). Em um pioneiro estudo etnográfico, Nappo, Galduróz e Noto (1994) destacam os homens enquanto foco, associando-os a contextos de precariedade e exclusão social.…”

“…Na maioria das vezes, o tema era tratado por meio de campanhas preconceituosas, de cunho sensacionalista, que estigmatizavam a imagem dos usuários, associando-os à violência e à marginalidade (Aciole Neto & Santos, 2014). No caso específico das mulheres, podem ser encontrados discursos e representações, no imaginário social, vinculados à promiscuidade e/ou a casos de negligência familiar, fatores estes que podem estar associados à falta de procura ou baixa adesão aos tratamentos especializados.…”