Mulheres e consumo de crack: experiências de internação compulsória

Abstract

The use of drugs is as old as humanity, even though it may take different forms and effects according to the context, the drug used, the social norms, and the agents using it. The relationship of human beings and drugs is pervaded by conflicts and ambiguities, and people who use crack cocaine have become targets of involuntary commitment. The consumption of crack, its effects and consequences have been reflected upon and researched about in the sciences, in the media and in the sphere of the State. The consumption of this substance comprises people of different genres. Considering that its consumption may have specific effects regarding women, in this study our focus will be women who have been submitted to involuntary commitment due to crack cocaine consumption. Based on the perspectives of Critical Social Psychology, and a theoretical construction supported by the Theory of Social Representations (TSR) and by Gender Studies, we reflect on the experiences of women who went through the process of compulsory commitment. From the theoretical foundation, our general objective was to reflect upon how the experiences of compulsory commitment due to crack cocaine consumption (re)build and transform women’s relationships and knowledge in their daily life. We were also interested in knowing how the representations of drugs and women produce specific healthcare practices. More specifically, we were interested in discussing gender iniquities and their interface with drug consumption by women, drawing attention to inequities and gender violence. In order to achieve these goals, we carried out narrative interviews with women who have been compulsorily committed due to crack cocaine consumption by the 4th Regional Health Department (Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde – CRS) of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We also searched historical documents and notes in field journals about the research process, including comments made during contacts and meetings with the 4th CRS. The thesis is composed of a theoretical chapter and two texts. The chapter entitled “Introducing the Theory of Social Representations: proposal and concepts” revisits TSR in order to present the theory that underpins the study. The first text, entitled “Crack Consumption, Women and Compulsory Commitment: Reflections on Knowledges”, aims to reflect on the (re)construction and (trans)formation of knowledge from experiences of women who were compulsorily committed due to crack cocaine consumption. The second text, “Gender Violence: Experiences of Women who Consume Crack”, intended to discuss the gender violence experienced by the participants and make it visible. In conclusion, it is important to note the need to consider the knowledge of those who use crack as a way to build a more effective path for healthcare, alternatively to compulsory commitment. In addition, it is relevant to constantly reflect upon the representations of women who use crack as a means to denaturalize gender violence.