Social Support Networks and Care for People Who Use Harmful Drugs

Abstract

Background: The “problem of drugs” is a complex phenomenon with different social dimensions. Thus, the strategy to care for people who use drugs should consider their social support networks, which are defined here as dimensions that compose the social integration of people. Objective: In this paper, we investigate how social support networks are organized, structured, and constituted according to clients of a mental health service dedicated to treat alcohol and drug abuse. Methods: Participant observation was employed in a mental health service for three months, and six interviews and three groups of activities were conducted with local clients. Results: The results demonstrated that the social network of this group is composed of informal and formal social supports: the former includes family, religious institutions, and work, and the latter was represented by a few institutions. However, there are few supports that contribute to the social inclusion and participation of these clients. Conclusions: Care actions should expand social networks, helping to create more solid relationships, considering the macro and micro social-life dimensions. Occupational therapists can contribute to this process by driving their action toward social life, building more social participation strategies, and reconfiguring care and social meaning in everyday life.