Thesis (MA(MW))--University of Stellenbosch,2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An exploratory study was done on prevention programmes of substance abuse by high school learners. This was done in order to: explore the factors leading to substance abuse by high school learners; explore the conditions for successful substance abuse programmes and compare it with existing programmes; and to determine how prevention programmes for high school learners can be used in South-African schools. The motivation for this study emerged as a result of the researcher’s involvement in prevention programmes for adolescents in schools and on farms at the South-African Council for Alcohol and Drug Dependency (SANCA) in the Paarl area. The objective of this study is to provide guidelines to social workers for the effective implementation of substance abuse prevention programmes for high school learners. The literature study confirmed the need for effective prevention programmes and highlighted the focus om the factors which leads to substance abuse. Emphasis is placed on risk and protection factors involved with substance abuse. SANCA in Paarl’s adolescent community’s risk and protective factors was investigated, because of the necessity to identify these factors before a prevention programme can be designed. The universum is the grade 10 learners of six schools in the Paarl area. One learner out of each class represented the sample of 48 respondents. The study was done trough a structured questionnaire. A combination of qualitative and quantitative information, through the use of open and close-ended questions, was gathered. The results of this study confirmed the results of the literature study, namely that the most important factor leading to substance abuse, is peer group influence. However, a combination of strategies and programmes are needed to develope a suitable programme for the specific community. The recommendations focus on four areas. Firstly the conditions are described for an effective prevention programme regarding the role of social workers, the use of assessment, evaluation, models, theories and approaches. Secondly, recommendations are made for techniques and general approaches. The third area gives directions for programme content. The last area recommends a possibility for future research: the process, roles and type of training needed to implement an effective and sustainable support group system in schools, must be tested. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ’n Verkennende studie vir voorkomingsprogramme vir middelmisbruik deur ho¨erskoolleerders is gedoen ten einde: die faktore wat tot middele-misbruik deur ho¨erskoolleerders aanleiding gee, te ondersoek; die voorwaardes vir suksesvolle middele-misbruikvoorkomingsprogramme te verken en met bestaande programme in verband te bring; en te bepaal hoe voorkomingsprogramme aan ho¨erskoolleerders in Suid-Afrikaanse skole benut kan word. Die motivering vir die studie het gespruit uit die navorser se betrokkenheid by die Suid- Afrikaanse Raad vir Alkohol- en Dwelmafhanklikes (SANRA) met die aanbied van voorkomingsprogramme vir adolessente, op plase en in skole in die Paarl-omgwing. Die doel van hierdie studie is dus om riglyne vir maatskaplike werkers daar te stel vir die effektiewe implementering van voorkomingsprogramme vir middelmisbruik deur ho¨erskoolleerders. Die literatuurstudie het die behoefte aan effektiewe voorkomingsprogramme bevestig en die faktore wat lei tot middelmisbruik is ook uitgelig. Daar is veral gefokus op die risikoen beskermingsfaktore hierby betrokke. Die studie is ingelei deur ’n ondersoek na die risiko- en beskermingsfaktore wat ’n rol speel in die adolessente gemeenskap van SANRA (Paarl), aangesien dit noodsaaklik is om hierdie faktore te identifiseer voordat ’n voorkomingsprogram ontwerp word. Die universum is graad-10 leerders van ses skole in die gebied. Een leerder uit elke klas het die steekproef, van 48 respondente, verteenwoordig. Die ondersoek is aan die hand van ’n gestruktureerde vraelys gerig. Kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe inligting is deur middel van ’n kombinasie van oop en geslote vrae ingesamel. Die resultate van hierdie ondersoek het die literatuurstudie bevestig, naamlik dat die hoof faktor wat aanleiding gee tot middelmisbruik, portuurgroepinvloede is. ’n Kombinasie van verskeie strategie¨e is nodig om geskikte programme vir spesifieke gemeenskappe te ontwerp. Die aanbevelings fokus op vier areas, naamlik die voorwaardes vir ’n effektiewe voorkomingsprogram rakende die rol van die maatskaplike werker, die gebruik van assessering, evaluering, modelle, teorie¨e en/of benaderings en aanbevelings ten opsigte van tegnieke, programvoorstelle en programinhoud. Die vierde en laaste area maak ’n aanbeveling vir verdere navorsing: ’n Ondersoek na die proses, rol van en tipe opleiding nodig om ’n effektiewe en volhoubare ondersteuningsgroepstelsel in skole te implementeer.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: During the researcher's work at the South African National Council for Alcohol and Drug Dependence (SANCA), based at the Paarl-office, it was obvious that adolescent substance abuse was growing into a huge governmental concern. During the first half of 2004 the average age of patients at drug rehabilitation centres who used crystal methamphetamine (streetname: "tik-tik") as their primary substance of abuse were between the ages of 15-19 years. Crystal methamphetamine is the latest drug that has taken the Western Cape by storm. It is obvious that the root of the problem is not being addressed since the number of adolescents abusing drugs seems to increase rather than decrease. The goal and aims of the study focuses on the factors contributing to adolescent substance abuse, parenting styles and -roles that contribute to adolescent substance abuse, and providing guidelines to social workers regarding the role of the family in the prevention of adolescent substance abuse. Adolescents have to deal with the new changes that occur, together with aspects such as, peer pressure, negative self-image, irresponsibility by the community and parents, poor parent-child relationships as well as socio-cultural variables that often lead tot substance abuse. Parents were found to be the role-models for their children and their parents' values, attitudes and behaviour regarding alcohol and/or drugs influence the values, attitudes and behaviour of their children. Therefore it seems that parents are primarily responsible for the prevention of adolescent substance abuse and the research study aims at providing facilitation skills on prevention strategies to social workers in order to successfully starting prevention of adolescent substance abuse. The quality of a family-system seems to have an important influence on adolescents in their growing up years, since adolescents experience a variety of changes and have to learn how to handle and accept these changes. During the literature study it was found that a negative family environment and negative experiences contribute to negative behaviour of adolescents, because the family is the primary unit where children learn their values, attitudes and processes that regulate their actions throughout their lives. A paradigm shift should be facilitated by social workers on maintaining healthy family relationships regarding the prevention of adolescent substance abuse. Supportive family-centred services therefore provide the best in adolescents' positive development, as well as identifying the most important needs of adolescents. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorser was gedurende die navorsingstudie as 'n maatskaplike werker by Die Suid Afrikaanse Nasionale Raad vir Alkohol en Dwelmafhanklikheid (SANRA) te Paarl aangestel. Na aanleiding van die werkslading kon die navorser tot die gevolgtrekking kom dat adolessente se middelemisbruik groot bekommernis vir die staat beteken. Gedurende die eerste helfte van 2004 was die gemiddelde ouderdom van pasiënte in dwelmrehabilitasiesentrums wie crystal methamphetime (straat naam: "tik-tik") as hul primêre middel van misbruik aangedui het, tussen die ouderdomme van 15-19 jaar. Na aanleiding van statistieke is dit duidelik dat die kern van die probleem nie aangespreek word nie, aangesien die hoeveelheid adolessente wie middele misbruik toeneem anders as om af te neem. Die doel en doelstellings van die studie fokus op die faktore wat bydra tot adolessente se middelemisbruik, ouerskapstyle en -rolle wat bydra tot adolessente se middelemisbruik, en die bied van riglyne aan maatskaplike werkers rakende die rol van die gesin tot die voorkoming van adolessente se middelemisbruik. Adolessente moet leer om die nuwe veranderinge in hullewens te hanteer, tesame met aspekte soos groepsdruk, negatiewe selfbeeld, onverantwoordelikheid deur die gemeenskap, swak ouer-kind verhoudings en sosio-kulturele veranderlikes wat telkens tot middelemisbruik bydra. Daar is gevind dat ouers die rolmodelle vir hul adolessente moet wees en dat ouerlike waardes, houdings en gedrag rakende alkohol en/of dwelms die waardes, houdings en gedrag van hul adolessente beïnvloed. Daarom blyk dit dat die primêre verantwoordelikheid op die ouers berus tot die voorkoming van adolessente se middelemisbruik en die navorsingstudie poog om die fasilitering van voorkomingstrategieë aan maatskaplike werkers te bied ten einde die voorkoming van adolessente se middiemisbruik aan te spreek. Die kwaliteit van die gesinsisteem het 'n belangrike invloed op adolessente in hul grootwordjare, aangesien adolessente 'n verskeidenheid veranderinge ervaar en moet leer hoe om die veranderinge te hanteer en te aanvaar. Gedurende die literatuurstudie is bevind dat 'n negatiewe gesinsomgewing en negatiewe ervarings bydra tot negatiewe gedrag van adolessente, omdat die gesin die primêre eenheid is waar adolessente hul waardes, houdings en prosesse aanleer wat hul aksies gedurende hullewens reguleer. 'n Paradigmaverskuiwing moet vervolgens deur maatskaplike werkers gefasiliteer word tot die handhawing van gesonde gesinsverhoudings ten opsigte van adolessente se middelemisbruik. Ondersteunende gesinsgesentreerde dienste bied vervolgens die beste opsie vir adolessente se positiewe ontwikkeling, sowel as om die mees belangrikste behoeftes van adolessente te identifiseer.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

As relações existentes entre a dimensão religiosa e sua influência sobre a saúde, mais precisamente sobre o processo de recuperação dos dependentes químicos, tem sido foco de ampla discussão nos últimos tempos por diversos teóricos no mundo inteiro, haja vista que vários são os estudos que apontam a importância da religiosidade neste contexto. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem como principal objetivo, identificar a importância da dimensão religiosa (fé e crença) na recuperação de dependentes químicos no Núcleo de Apoio a Toxicômanos e Alcoolistas (NATA), em Boa Vista, Roraima. Para tanto, utiliza-se da pesquisa de campo e bibliográfica, com abordagem quali-quantitativa, do tipo exploratório, cuja fonte de coleta e análise de dados foi um questionário misto contendo perguntas abertas e fechadas destinado aos usuários do NATA, em Boa Vista/RR. A análise revelou que os sujeitos da pesquisa possuem idade entre 19 e 48 anos, do sexo masculino, solteiros, possuindo o Ensino Médio, de classe social média, com uma variação na ocupação que vai de empresário até aqueles que não trabalham, onde o tempo de dependência química é extenso, vai de 1 a 34 anos. No entanto, os resultados demonstraram que independentemente de qual seja a religião destes indivíduos, todos acreditam em Deus, e, portanto, creem que a religião, assim como a religiosidade, devoções (atos) e símbolos religiosos, ajuda na recuperação da dependência química de várias maneiras. Seja por meio da obtenção de refúgio, da aquisição de conhecimento espiritual, seja na crença de que um poder maior lhes mantêm limpo e forte, principalmente para se manter longe das tentações das drogas. E, por isso, praticam devoções e utilizam símbolos religiosos, como, por exemplo, o crucifixo, o livro dos espíritos, a Bíblia, orações, hinos, além da crença e devoção a Deus para se recuperar, uma vez que isto lhes ajuda no alivio da dor infligida pelas drogas, mantendo-os vigilantes, trazendo paz de espírito, renovando e fortalecendo a sua espiritualidade. Pois, o que os motiva a praticar essas ações e utilizar esses símbolos, é a fé e a crença na doutrina e em Deus e as conquistas alcançadas, em virtude de se sentirem renovados espiritualmente e fortalecidos frente às ameaças da droga no dia a dia. / The relationship between the religious dimension and its influence on health, more precisely on the recovery process of drug addicts, has been the focus of extensive recently discussion by various theoretical worldwide, as there are several studies that point to the Importance of religiosity in this context. Thus, this work has the main objectives is to identify the importance of the religious dimension (faith and belief) in recovering chemical addiction in the Core support for drug addicts and alcoholics (NATA) in Boa Vista, Roraima. Therefore, we make use of field research and literature, with qualitative and quantitative approach, on the exploratory type, whose source of data collection and analysis was a mixed questionnaire with open and closed questions for users of NATA in Boa Vista-RR. The analysis revealed that the research subjects have aged between 19 and 48 years old, male, single, having secondary education, social middle class, with a variation in occupation ranging from entrepreneur to those who has no work, where the time chemical dependence is extensive, ranging from 1 to 34 years. However, the results showed that regardless of what the religion of these individuals, all believe in God, and therefore believe that religion, as well as religiosity, devotions (acts) and religious symbols, helps in recovery from addiction in various ways. Either by obtaining refuge, the acquiring spiritual knowledge, is the belief that a greater power keep them clean and strong, mainly to keep away from the temptations of drugs. And therefore, practice and devotions using religious symbols, for example, the crucifix, the book of the spirits, the Bible, prayers, hymns, beyond belief and devotion to God to recover, as it helps to relieving pain inflicted by drugs, keeping them vigilant, bringing peace of mind, renewing and strengthening its spirituality. So, that motivates them to practice these actions and use these symbols, it is the faith and belief in doctrine and in God and the achievements, due to feel spiritually renewed and strengthened in the face of drug threats on a daily basis.

Existem no Brasil aproximadamente 370 mil usuários de cocaína fumada nas capitais nacionais e há cerca de dez anos o uso de crack e/ou cocaína atinge quatro em cada dez adolescentes brasileiros em situação de rua, gerando diversas consequências individuais, familiares e sociais, que fazem deste fenômeno um grave problema de saúde pública. O presente estudo foi realizado em três momentos que se consubstanciaram em um capítulo de livro, um artigo de revisão e um artigo empírico. O capítulo teve como objetivo a contextualização do panorama epidemiológico do consumo de drogas na sociedade brasileira, perpassando por uma caracterização geral do termo e suas especificidades, assim como uma reflexão acerca desse fenômeno à luz da Teoria Social Cognitiva. Discute-se que a noção de reciprocidade triádica que perpassa toda a concepção sociocognitivista, vem contribuindo para uma leitura dinâmica e sistêmica do consumo de drogas, que avança para além de uma compreensão puramente individual, seja biológica ou comportamental. O artigo de revisão de literatura foi sobre o Modelo Transteórico de Mudança (MTT) e o suporte familiar no cuidado ao usuário de crack, auxiliando na discussão sobre as estratégias para o lidar com dependência química. Neste foram analisados trabalhos que discorrem sobre as contribuições do Modelo Transteórico de Mudança no tratamento do comportamento adicto e a importância do entendimento sobre os estágios motivacionais e processos de mudança pelo usuário, família e equipe técnica, exigindo a atenção dos profissionais quanto ao entendimento e tratamento dos comportamentos de risco, demandando por sua vez a reformulação de estratégias de tratamento e cuidado para usuários que se encontram em qualquer estágio. O artigo empírico que se seguiu à revisão, abordou o tema central da dissertação e objetivou investigar a influência da percepção do suporte familiar, da crença de autoeficácia e do estágio motivacional do usuário de crack na adesão ao cuidado oferecido no Programa ATITUDE. Foi um estudo misto que primeiramente investigou 60 usuários de ambos os sexos que estavam acolhidos nas modalidades de assistência: apoio e intensivo. Na segunda fase foram entrevistados cinco participantes de ambos os sexos. Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar (IPSF); Escala de Autoeficácia Geral Percebida (AEGP); University of Rhode Island Change Assesment Scale Escala URICA e entrevista semi-estruturada. Pela extração do alpha de Chronbach foram obtidos indicadores insatisfatórios de consistência interna das escalas AEGP e URICA, e elevados para o IPSF. A discussão perpassa pelo perfil singular da amostra, já que muitos dos usuários vivem na rua, com uma multiplicidade de carências de cuidados básicos e que, mesmo apresentando algum nível de escolarização, podem ter experienciado algum nível de incompreensão no sentido do que demandava a atividade em cinco alternativas de escolha, tendendo a se posicionar com certa facilidade quando a temática foi mais concreta, como no caso da família, tendo também essa escala um número de alternativas de escolha menor que as demais. Talvez um quantitativo maior de usuários pudesse diluir essas inconsistências encontradas nas duas primeiras escalas. Por fim, as entrevistas permitiram evidenciar a importância dos vínculos familiares para uma melhor compreensão do fenômeno do uso do crack em sua multiplicidade questionando e propondo um olhar ampliado sobre a família, como importante fonte de apoio aos usuários na continuidade de seu cuidado. / There are approximately 370 thousand users of cocaine smoked in Brazil in the national capitals, and for the last ten years the use of crack and / or cocaine has reached four out of every ten Brazilian adolescents in the street, generating a number of individual, family and social consequences. Of this phenomenon is a serious public health problem. The present study was carried out in three moments that consubstantiated in a chapter of book, a review article and an empirical article. The chapter aimed to contextualize the epidemiological panorama of drug use in Brazilian society, through a general characterization of the term and its specificities, as well as a reflection on this phenomenon in the light of Cognitive Social Theory. It is argued that the notion of triadic reciprocity that permeates the entire sociocognitive conception has been contributing to a dynamic and systemic reading of drug consumption, which goes beyond a purely individual understanding, be it biological or behavioral. The literature review article was about the Transtheoric Model of Change (MTT) and the family support in crack user care, helping to discuss strategies for dealing with chemical dependency. In this paper we analyze the contributions of the Transtheoric Model of Change in the treatment of addicted behavior and the importance of understanding the motivational stages and processes of change by the user, family and technical team, demanding the professionals' attention regarding the understanding and treatment Of risky behaviors, which in turn require the reformulation of treatment and care strategies for users who are at any stage. The empirical article that followed the review, addressed the central theme of the dissertation and aimed to investigate the influence of the perception of family support, the belief of self efficacy and the motivational stage of crack users in adherence to the care offered in the ATITUDE Program. It was a mixed study that first investigated 60 users of both sexes that were hosted in the assistance modalities: support and intensive. In the second phase, five participants of both genders were interviewed. The following instruments were used: Family Support Perception Inventory (IPSF); Perceived General Self-Efficacy Scale (AEGP); University of Rhode Island Change Assesment Scale - URICA scale and semi-structured interview. By extracting the Chronbach alpha, we obtained unsatisfactory indicators of internal consistency of the AEGP and URICA scales, and high for the IPSF. The discussion is based on the unique profile of the sample, since many of the users live on the street, with a multitude of basic care deficits and, even with some level of schooling, may have experienced some level of misunderstanding in the sense of what the activity demanded In five alternatives of choice, tending to position themselves with certain ease when the theme was more concrete, as in the case of the family, also having this scale a number of alternatives of choice smaller than the others. Perhaps a larger number of users could dilute these inconsistencies found on the first two scales. Finally, the interviews allowed to highlight the importance of family ties for a better understanding of the phenomenon of crack use in its multiplicity, questioning and proposing an extended view of the family, as an important source of support to users in the continuity of their care.

This study discusses self-care enunciated in harm reduction strategies targeted at drug users. Such strategies call themselves potentiating an ethical stance, as it allows these drug users become then the protagonists of their own actions, and gain freedom in their choices in their life decisions. From this statement, and in the face at Michel Foucault s thought, the survey asks whether the self-care of harm reduction would be related to an ethical dimension liberating, or a moral imperative of care in the field of health practices. Analyzes run through a path that include the articulation of three research plans: a history, a politician and ethical, built at the same time that cross. The onslaught historical presents the first formulation of a notion of social medicine in Germany, France, England and Brazil, as well as their relationships with the notion of medical police, practices militarization and biopolitics. On the political dilemmas are analyzed instances drawn between legal and health to address the issue of drugs. Amid the political and historical discussions, research hypothesizes that practices harm reduction meets an update of social medicine. The plan calls into question the ethical statements of self-care strategies present in harm reduction, opposed to the joint ethics and politics in Foucault s thought in its historical research of antiquity / A presente pesquisa discute o cuidado de si enunciado nas estratégias de redução de danos direcionadas aos usuários de drogas. Tais estratégias intitulam-se potencializadoras de uma postura ética, pois possibilita a esses usuários de drogas tornarem-se, então, protagonistas de suas próprias ações, e adquirir liberdade em suas escolhas, em suas decisões de vida. A partir dessa afirmação, e em face ao pensamento de Michel Foucault, a pesquisa questiona se o cuidado de si da redução de danos seria condizente a uma dimensão ético-libertadora, ou a um imperativo moral do cuide-se no campo das práticas de saúde. As análises percorrem um caminho que compreende a articulação de três planos de investigação: um histórico, um político e um ético, construídos ao mesmo tempo em que se atravessam. A investida histórica apresenta as primeiras formulações de uma noção de medicina social na Alemanha, na França, na Inglaterra e no Brasil, bem como suas relações com a noção de polícia médica, práticas de militarização e biopolítica. No plano político são analisados dilemas traçados entre as instâncias jurídicas e da saúde ao tratar da questão das drogas. Em meio às discussões históricas e políticas, a pesquisa levanta a hipótese de que as práticas de redução de danos condizem a uma atualização da medicina social. O plano ético põe em questão os enunciados do cuidado de si presentes nas estratégias de redução de danos, contrapostas à articulação ética e política no pensamento de Foucault em sua pesquisa histórica da Antiguidade.

M.A. / Dependency affects the family as a whole and forms part of the transactional patterns that regulates the behaviour of the family members. Seeing that the family and dependent person has a mutual effect on each other relapse prevention is also influenced by the family system. Therefore it is essential that social work intervention with the chemical dependant person focuses on the family as a whole. Relapses seems to be a factor that needs to be taken in to account in the field of chemical dependency because of the very high relapse rates. The dependant behaviour is altered through the anticipation and management of relapses. Through viewing relapse prevention from the systemic context the family system as a whole can be focused on relapse prevention and not just the individual. This study aimed at exploring the role of the family in relapse prevention, thus identifying family factors which are of importance in relapse prevention of the chemical dependent person. A Qualitative research methodology was utilised to explore the diverse experiences of families regarding relapse prevention. The focus of this research is therefore on the family processes through which families create, maintain and discuss their own reality thus was family context, interaction and dynamics studied. The theoretical basis for the intervention with the chemical dependant person is established in the discussion of the relapse prevention model as well as the general systems theory. From this theoretical basis a work protocol was compiled to which data that was gathered and analysed. For the aim of this study a nonpiobability purposive sample was used in the compiling of the two focus groups. The focus groups lend itself to interviewing with small groups where the respondents explore their own reality. The data was gathered by means of field notes and audio tapes which were transcribed. Analysis of data was.done according to schedules and these schedules were compiled according to the literature. The schedules were divided in to the family and relapse prevention categories. Coding was done by the researcher and a co-coder in order to compare the results. In the coding process the researcher and co-coder utilised the schedules to code the transcribed audio tapes and field notes. The information gleaned form the data gathering and analysis was used to identify central themes. These themes were offered as results. The results obtained were compared to relevant literature in order to further the reliability of the research. The reliability of the study was examined in the light of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. From the study methodological and theoretical conclusions could be drawn. The methodological conclusions have to do with the method of research which was utilised in this study. Regarding the contextual aims and context of the empirical study certain theoretical conclusions were drawn. The results and conclusions indicated certain family factors that play a role in relapse prevention in the family system. Recommendations were offered on the basis of the study and the conclusions drawn. The methodology and context of the empirical study directs the recomMendations drawn thus ensuring the practice orientation of the results and the connection of the results to the goal of this study. This, research indicates that the family plays an important role in relapse prevention of the chemical dependant person as well as the value of the application of the relapse prevention model with a systemic application in the social work intervention with the chemical dependant person.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T18:12:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 eldon_mendes_souza.pdf: 1531081 bytes, checksum: 411e1735d04bb0d0880f9fdc9e56509e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-04-27 / The relationship between the religious dimension and its influence on health, more precisely on the recovery process of drug addicts, has been the focus of extensive recently discussion by various theoretical worldwide, as there are several studies that point to the Importance of religiosity in this context. Thus, this work has the main objectives is to identify the importance of the religious dimension (faith and belief) in recovering chemical addiction in the Core support for drug addicts and alcoholics (NATA) in Boa Vista, Roraima. Therefore, we make use of field research and literature, with qualitative and quantitative approach, on the exploratory type, whose source of data collection and analysis was a mixed questionnaire with open and closed questions for users of NATA in Boa Vista-RR. The analysis revealed that the research subjects have aged between 19 and 48 years old, male, single, having secondary education, social middle class, with a variation in occupation ranging from entrepreneur to those who has no work, where the time chemical dependence is extensive, ranging from 1 to 34 years. However, the results showed that regardless of what the religion of these individuals, all believe in God, and therefore believe that religion, as well as religiosity, devotions (acts) and religious symbols, helps in recovery from addiction in various ways. Either by obtaining refuge, the acquiring spiritual knowledge, is the belief that a greater power keep them clean and strong, mainly to keep away from the temptations of drugs. And therefore, practice and devotions using religious symbols, for example, the crucifix, the book of the spirits, the Bible, prayers, hymns, beyond belief and devotion to God to recover, as it helps to relieving pain inflicted by drugs, keeping them vigilant, bringing peace of mind, renewing and strengthening its spirituality. So, that motivates them to practice these actions and use these symbols, it is the faith and belief in doctrine and in God and the achievements, due to feel spiritually renewed and strengthened in the face of drug threats on a daily basis. / As relações existentes entre a dimensão religiosa e sua influência sobre a saúde, mais precisamente sobre o processo de recuperação dos dependentes químicos, tem sido foco de ampla discussão nos últimos tempos por diversos teóricos no mundo inteiro, haja vista que vários são os estudos que apontam a importância da religiosidade neste contexto. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem como principal objetivo, identificar a importância da dimensão religiosa (fé e crença) na recuperação de dependentes químicos no Núcleo de Apoio a Toxicômanos e Alcoolistas (NATA), em Boa Vista, Roraima. Para tanto, utiliza-se da pesquisa de campo e bibliográfica, com abordagem quali-quantitativa, do tipo exploratório, cuja fonte de coleta e análise de dados foi um questionário misto contendo perguntas abertas e fechadas destinado aos usuários do NATA, em Boa Vista/RR. A análise revelou que os sujeitos da pesquisa possuem idade entre 19 e 48 anos, do sexo masculino, solteiros, possuindo o Ensino Médio, de classe social média, com uma variação na ocupação que vai de empresário até aqueles que não trabalham, onde o tempo de dependência química é extenso, vai de 1 a 34 anos. No entanto, os resultados demonstraram que independentemente de qual seja a religião destes indivíduos, todos acreditam em Deus, e, portanto, creem que a religião, assim como a religiosidade, devoções (atos) e símbolos religiosos, ajuda na recuperação da dependência química de várias maneiras. Seja por meio da obtenção de refúgio, da aquisição de conhecimento espiritual, seja na crença de que um poder maior lhes mantêm limpo e forte, principalmente para se manter longe das tentações das drogas. E, por isso, praticam devoções e utilizam símbolos religiosos, como, por exemplo, o crucifixo, o livro dos espíritos, a Bíblia, orações, hinos, além da crença e devoção a Deus para se recuperar, uma vez que isto lhes ajuda no alivio da dor infligida pelas drogas, mantendo-os vigilantes, trazendo paz de espírito, renovando e fortalecendo a sua espiritualidade. Pois, o que os motiva a praticar essas ações e utilizar esses símbolos, é a fé e a crença na doutrina e em Deus e as conquistas alcançadas, em virtude de se sentirem renovados espiritualmente e fortalecidos frente às ameaças da droga no dia a dia.

This study examined an important, yet underreported, area of family service agency assessments, the failure to adequately screen for substance abuse issues. A self-report screening instrument was used to accurately determine substance abuse frequency rates, instead of using the current clinician-directed questioning. New agency clients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (self-report) or the control group (clinician-directed) to determine if assessment accuracy improved.

This study uses a qualitative research design to examine the skills and knowledge that both CPS (Child Protective Service) workers and Foster Care Professionals have regarding AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) issues. It includes information on professionals' perceptions of whether or not more education in this area is needed, and the impact that these AOD issues are having upon the child welfare / foster care systems.