Narrativas de vida de militares em tratamento para transtorno relacionado ao uso de substâncias psicoativas

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use disorder is the change in behavior and loss of judgment that occurs due to the use of certain substances. Multiple factors influence this disorder. The object of this study is the experience of military personnel in a situation of treatment for the disorder. Objectives To describe the experience of military personnel hospitalized in a psychiatric unit undergoing treatment for disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances; to analyze the impact of treatment and hospitalization on the military's life narrative, and to discuss nursing care strategies for military personnel undergoing treatment for disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances in the light of Afaf Ibrahim Meleis's Transition Theory. Methodology: This is a descriptive, qualitative study that used content analysis. Data were collected at the Integrated Mental Health Unit, a military psychiatric inpatient unit of the Brazilian Navy. An open interview was used whose guiding question for the military was: "Tell me about your life before and after the first contact with drugs". The interviews were conducted between September and November 2019, upon acceptance and signature of the Informed Consent Form. All interviews were transcribed in full. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the State University of Rio de Janeiro under opinion nº 3.573.931 and by the Institute of Biomedical Research at Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias, under opinion nº 3.647.632. After following the steps of content analysis of the narratives, a central category and three subcategories emerged. The central category was "Experience of military personnel in use of psychoactive substances" and the three subcategories: The life of military personnel before the use of psychoactive substances; The use of psychoactive substances and the consequences on the personal, family and professional lives of the military and Strategies adopted by the military to cope with the disorder related to the use of psychoactive substances. The study showed that before the problematic use of psychoactive substances, the military had healthy habits and a stable financial condition, in addition to satisfaction with the recognition of superiors at work. After problematic use, the military suffered consequences in personal, family and professional life with financial losses, instability in relationships and deficits in carrying out work activities, among others. The importance of the nurse during and after hospitalization of these soldiers is highlighted with regard to the guidelines regarding the meaning of the disease and its causes, acting as a facilitator of the transitional process. Conclusion: The nurse must carry out strategic actions aimed at educational practices, enabling the process of change and engagement with the transitional process so that, thus, military personnel hospitalized in treatment for disorders related to psychoactive substances advance towards a healthy transition.