Posicionamentos identitários construídos por profissionais de um CAPS AD sobre mulheres que consomem drogas: um estudo de gênero

Abstract

Women are part of the population that makes harmful use of drugs and are users of the Psychosocial Care Network, which makes it essential to carry out studies aimed at the care offered to them in these services. For this reason, CAPS AD was the location chosen for our research, as it is considered a strategic device for the National Mental Health Policy. In this paper, we analyze how professionals from CAPS AD II in Campina Grande / PB position women who consume alcohol and other drugs. To this end, we set out to analyze the production of meaning constructed by these professionals about what it is to be a woman; analyze the repertoires used by them, paying attention to the permanences and ruptures in the identity positions related to the hegemonic gender discourse; investigate whether there is differentiation in the care offered to men and women; and to identify the specifics related to the gender issue regarding the entry and permanence of users in CAPS AD. This dissertation was theoretically and methodologically based on the proposal to study the production of meanings based on the analysis of discursive practices, developed by Mary Jane Spink and, as suggested by the theoretical framework adopted, used dialogic maps as an instrument of analysis. Regarding the perspective of gender studies, we resort, above all, to the contributions of postmodern feminism. From a methodological point of view, we opted for qualitative research, with semi-structured interviews in which seven professionals from CAPS AD participated. Most of the identity positions constructed by CAPS AD professionals about women who consume alcohol and other drugs indicated permanence in the hegemonic gender discourse. The meanings produced for “what it means to be a woman” revolved around the variety of demands delegated to women, especially within the family routine. In some narratives this was presented as a positive factor, associated with “strength”, but in others it was considered negative, as it generates overload and suffering. The body, as well as the naturalization of some characteristics, was used as a descriptor for what it means to be a woman. Regarding the problematic use of psychoactive substances, it was pointed out that domestic life restricts its use, as it makes it difficult for women to access public life, however, it was also mentioned that it is precisely in this environment and in the suffering that originates there that they start problematic consumption. Women were also positioned as people who, when compared to men, have a more intense history of suffering, related to sexual abuse, disrespect and prejudice, although there is a delegitimization of their pain, since women's suffering is commonly considered “foolishness”. Those who consume alcohol were positioned as "more resistant to treatment", "silent" users, who feel "ashamed" and who go to CAPS AD only when its use becomes visible and / or bothers the family. Women who use illicit substances were positioned as "more deteriorated", "more marginalized" and who generally arrive at the service via referral from the justice system. As for access and permanence in CAPS AD, the narratives suggest the existence of gender specificities that hinder access for women. The lack of a support network, financial issues and demands to care for children, home and their husbands make women have “less time” to dedicate themselves to taking care of themselves. Although nearly all participants report the lack of differentiation of care, one participant stated that there is a specific group for women and, in addition, other narratives highlight that there are activities that they “like more” such as crafts and beauty day. In mixed groups, women are positioned as “cornered” because they are at the mercy of the prejudiced comments of men. All these aspects highlighted a gap that exists in the care policy for people who make problematic use of drugs and, consequently, in the care strategies, since gender specificities are not considered in the care offered, which makes access and permanence difficult for women in CAPS AD.