Abstract
Therapeutic communities emerged to respond to individuals with substance use disorders. The studies carried out emphasize the importance of the Occupational Therapist in the process of constructing occupational meaning. However, there is a paucity of studies addressing the relevance of this profession in this specific context. To understand the intervention of Occupational Therapy in the Therapeutic Community "Clínica do Outeiro - Portugal", describing the perception of individuals with substance use disorders, Occupational Therapists and other team members. Descriptive-exploratory study with a qualitative approach, by means of a case study research. We used interviews with clients and Occupational Therapists and focus group with the multidisciplinary team to collect data. Occupational Therapy is characterized by the greater proximity it establishes with users, as well as by the dynamism, creativity and motivation it infuses, playing a preponderant role in the (re) structuring of routines, performance of ADL and IADL, leisure and social participation of individuals with substance use disorders. The OT emerges as essential in this community, as a professional who is dedicated to the work of adapting and including the individual in the therapeutic community through the acquisition of the necessary occupational performance skills essential for everyday life in society.
Highlights
Substance abuse is not new to most people, but the rehabilitation process is complex and difficult to understand for a less informed public
We aimed to answer the research question: “To what extent does Occupational Therapy in the ComunidadeTerapêuticaClínica do Outeiro contribute to the rehabilitation of individuals with substance use disorders?”
Responding to the question “To what extent does Occupational Therapy contribute to the rehabilitation of individuals with substance use disorders, in the Therapeutic Community “Clínica do Outeiro”, which served as a theme for the study, it can be concluded that the support provided by this profession plays in the life of this population, a major role at various levels, being an “area linked to health promotion, in this case, mental” (GF)
Summary
Substance abuse is not new to most people, but the rehabilitation process is complex and difficult to understand for a less informed public. It is observed that over time, daily occupations can be adversely affected by substance use, impacting relationships, performance at work and daily routines that support health and effective copping[2] This issue is assuming increasingly worrying proportions and, in this sense, there is an urgent need to develop responses that integrate and offer specialized support to individuals with substance use disorders[3], such is the case of Therapeutic Communities. The therapeutic communities consist of Long-term Residential Treatment Specialized Units, aiming at “psychotherapeutic and socio-therapeutic” support, in order to “help to reorganize the inner world of drug addicts and to outlook their future”[4] These units must ensure in their services the physical and permanent presence of properly qualified health professionals and technical personnel, with adequate training, in the necessary number for the activities to be carried out[5]. They require other resources and methodologies and presuppose a shared responsibility between mental health and other sectors, including primary health care
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
