Perfil e conhecimento da população de Ituiutaba-MG em relação ao padrão de uso e percepções sobre substâncias psicoativas e a redução de danos

Abstract

The use of psychoactive substances by humans has been recorded since time immemorial, present in various social, medicinal, and religious contexts. However, its consumption in contemporary times involves a series of factors that change the way people relate to drugs. In order to address the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and dependence, it is necessary to know the profile of the user, as well as the dynamics of use and the relation established by society with these substances. This study aimed to draw a profile of users of marijuana, tobacco, alcohol, and LSD in the municipality of Ituiutaba, MG, using an anonymous self responsive questionnaire with socioeconomic and demographic questions, as well as those related to the sociocultural relationship of the community with psychoactive substances, sources of information, the main harms caused by their use, perceptions related to the risks and abusive users, as well as knowledge of harm reduction. Based on this survey, it was possible to discuss the need to intervene in informal means of information, as most of this information is disseminated through this environment, leading to misinformation, which can further exacerbate the risks involving the relationship between humanity and drugs, thereby hampering scientific development in this field. It was also possible to reinforce the harm reduction proposal, as it proves to be a viable strategy in promoting less harmful habits for the population, whether drug users or not, as it seeks to address the dissemination of information with respect and ensuring community protagonism, acting preventively on the physiological risks involved in the use of psychoactive substances, as well as the social and psychological risks.