Giving Voice to Women in Treatment for Psychoactive Substance Dependence

Resumen

This study was done in a therapeutic community for dependent women of psychoactive substances located at Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The objective was to provide to them a space to be heard their longings and they could say what think about essential aspects of their lives, such as family, religiosity, education, work and leisure. The method utilized was an initial semi-structured interview, an intervention based on a focal group, which was constituted by the exhibition and discussion of seven cinematographic films; and a final semi-structured interview. The research began with five women, but three of whom dropped out of treatment during the study. For the data analysis content analysis was used. Results show that those themes have direct and important impact on the progress and success of the treatment. They also demonstrate that cinematographic films are capable of enlarging the participant’s perceptions, as well as modifying their perspectives regarding the themes discussed. Psychology is constituted as a science capable of leading this process, as well as interpreting and spreading its results.