Mães de Usuários do Crack: Fontes de Estresse e Estratégias de Enfrentamento

Abstract

Crack is a major public health reflects on society, families and especially the mothers who experience the condition of having a child user. In this study it was possible to understand what were the main sources of maternal stress and the main coping strategies used by mothers. Study with qualitative and descriptive approach developed in order to know the main sources of stress mothers of crack users and children as these mothers face. Study with qualitative and descriptive approach developed in order to know the main sources of stress mothers of crack users and children as these mothers face. The study included 17 mothers 12 were recruited by means of registered phones in alcohol and drug Psychosocial Care Center (CAPSad) and five indicated by the participants themselves through the sampling method snowball. The interviews, conducted in CAPSad or domicile of the participants followed a script with four guiding questions. The content was transcribed and analyzed under the framework of Grounded Theory. The coding, analysis and interpretation of the data allowed the construction of categories, subcategories and the theoretical model that explains the scenario experienced by crack users mothers. The built central categories were: stress sources; Stress symptoms and coping strategies (coping). The subcategories are: Discovery: beginning of the nightmare for the mother; The effects of the child's dependence on the mother; family conflicts; emotional and physical exhaustion; Battle against addiction: personal strategies and seeking treatment; religious coping and social coping. Mothers experienced different and intense sources of stress from the moment they discover that the children are dependent. They faced a nightmare at home, they feel guilty, suffer to realize the effects that the crack causes in children are victims of violence by children, live immersed in fear and insecurity. The family is completely dysfunctional and the fights are Constant. While trying to retrieve the child and bring peace to the family mothers resorted to some extreme strategies and little socially acceptable, for example, have permissive attitudes and finance addiction, or use physical and verbal violence. Other strategies used now more efficient, were seeking treatment, find comfort through religion, faith and the support of friends. However, as mothers have few resources and found little or no support in the networks they should support them were exhausted physically and emotionally and announced their illness. These results may facilitate or promote the referral of mothers to assistance that meets their specific needs. The study also provides important warning to health professionals to promote preventive strategies, not only to crack users, but also for mothers and other family members with children in this situation.