Caring for crack users: strategies and work practices in the territory.

OBJECTIVE

To know the care strategies for crack users in Brazil from the perspective of the Centre of Psychosocial Care for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAPS AD).

METHOD: This is a qualitative descriptive study. Data were collected by means of interviews conducted with eight professionals of a CAPS AD in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, between February and March 2013. Data were subjected to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The analysed data revealed the use of care strategies, such as itinerant teams, home visits, and the extended clinic, and that the work territory should essentially be the home of the professional.

CONCLUSION

Care in the territory is considered an innovation in the field of mental healthcare because it enables care that focuses on social, cultural, and historical context of users.