Use of psychoactive substances in women in outpatient treatment

Objective: to characterize the sociodemographic and psychiatric profile of women users of psychoactive substances in treatment for drug addiction. Method: descriptive study of quantitative approach performed with women attended at a Psychosocial Care Center for Users of Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAPS ad) from the interior of Sao Paulo State. Results: the sample consisted of 349 adult women, single, low educational level and unemployed, users of alcohol, cocaine, crack and tranquillizers. Among the consequences of use include withdrawal syndrome, overdose, depressive and suicidal symptoms. Most were referred for treatment by the family or health services. Almost 20% of these women had previously started treatments. Conclusion: The results suggest marked morbidity and high levels of psychosocial vulnerability, which require thorough investigation at the patient's admission, as well as damage associated with use, withdrawal symptoms and depressive symptoms.