Assistência de Enfermagem na Atenção Primária aos Usuários de Drogas

Abstract

The abusive use of alcohol and other drugs represents a public health issue in Brazil and worldwide. Primary Health Care services play a crucial role in identifying related issues and developing care methods for preventing potential harms associated with substance abuse. The role of the nurse, as part of the team, is essential in assisting patients with substance use disorders, contributing to the quality of services at the primary entry point to the healthcare network. This study aimed to understand and analyze scientific literature on nursing care for alcohol and drug users in Primary Health Care. An integrative literature review was conducted, focusing on articles published from 2019 to July 2024, guided by the central question: "What care strategies do nurses employ for alcohol and drug users in Primary Health Care?" The descriptors used were nursing, primary care, substance use disorders, drug abuse, and drug addiction, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and the databases included BDENF, LILACS, MEDLINE, Cinahl, and SciELO.The investigation demonstrade the importance of the nurse’s role in building bonds with users, which is essential for ensuring adherence to healthcare services and planning interventions. The use of Harm Reduction (HR) strategies was noted as a broad clinical approach based on comprehensive care, serving as a resource for engaging with patients. Another study demonstrated that referral to specialized services was the main action taken by nurses, often prioritizing abstinence as a treatment approach. Referrals to specialized services in the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) should be considered only when the complexity of the case exceeds the capabilities of Primary Health Care (PHC) professionals. The Family Health Strategy (FHS) team’s role includes listening to the patient, providing emotional support, encouraging reflection on reasons for substance use, and presenting strategies for managing the situation through the promotion of collective and intersectoral activities. Investment in quality training and ongoing education is needed to ensure that nursing care for drug users accessing PHC services is effective and high-quality.