Operative groups with users of alcohol and other drugs

Abstract

Operative groups are a technique that, through the creation of links between its members and the coordinators, leads the individuals to a reflection on current habits and creates means of action to the change of the current state. The objective is to describe the accomplishment of operative groups focused on the empowerment and self-efficacy of users of a Psychosocial Care Center for alcohol and other drugs. This is an experience report of an extension project experienced in the period from August to October, 2016, coordinated by a teacher of the nursing course and carried out by nursing and psychology students in the interior of Minas Gerais, in which eleven groups with an average duration of sixty minutes in a Psychosocial Care Center. The groups had an average participation of ten users per meeting. Results: Groups with topics that aimed to increase the users' knowledge about their treatment and use of drugs and alcohol, as well as increase their self-efficacy and empower them to be active in their choices and treatment. The techniques used during the groups varied from conversation cycles to theatrical techniques, aiming at the best result for the themes. The reports of the participants and the observation of the group coordinators showed that the operative groups are effective in empowering the user of drugs and alcohol and bring more information and debates on the subject. The extension project carried out in an interdisciplinary way by students of nursing and psychology was of paramount importance and prepared them for a more integral and humanized professional practice.