Mirror, mirror on the wall:

self-image of people who use drugs and their social repercussions

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the perception of people who use drugs about their selfimage and the social repercussions of these perceptions. Method: This is qualitative
research carried out with 16 users of a Psychosocial Alcohol and Other Drug Center in a municipality in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. Data were produced
during five group meetings, guided by the problem-solving methodology with the Arch of Charles Maguerez. Results and discussion: From the analysis of the data,
themes that gave rise to the following categories emerged: drug use and reflexes in self-image; social repercussions involving when being a drug user. The self-image built by these people involves feelings of self-worth, problems with self-esteem and selfcare.
These subjects experience a social context rooted in prejudice and stigma, in such a way that they began to adopt negative stereotypes. In spaces where users
seek treatment, it is recommended that they are encouraged to start again to enjoy themselves, to value small achievements, to regain ties of affection, to rebuild their dignity, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Final considerations: the challenge of the
health professionals to engage in the struggle for the deconstruction of conceptions that amplify social stigmatization and the need to promote the social participation esof drug users in the struggle for policies and practices that legitimize citizenship are highlighted.