Health requirements of families of psychoactive substance users

Abstract

The present study aimed to understand the health requirements of families of psychoactive substance (PAS) users. It is a descriptive study carried out with family members of users at a Center for Psychosocial Care, whose data was produced through interviews. After content analysis the following categories were identified: health requirement as a disease located in a biological body, health requirement as social reproduction and health requirement centered on relationships and care. Health requirements are perceived as the necessity to care for mind, body and spirit. What is not manifested through signs and symptoms is not always recognized. A tendency to not recognize forms of illness arising from coexisting with PAS users was identified. There is a demand for sharing problems with people willing to listening, professionally or otherwise. Professionals should be aware of these necessities, which may involve family members forgetting to take care of their own health.