5. The Addicted

When we prevent the use of Psychoactive Substances, it is important to emphasize that we are talking about a multisectoral approach in accordance with the National Strategic Plan of the Nacional Anti-drug Institute (INALUD, I.P.). We provide care in a Psychosocial logic, providing care in times of crisis, we carry out continuous follow-up after discharge in order to socially reintegrate into the community and also facilitate family integration, recovering, promoting and preventing relapse in mental health. INALUD is an Institution responsible for the elaboration of Public Policies in the area of Drugs and Drug Addiction created by Presidential Decree 321/13 of December. Chemical dependence is considered a public health process, as it affects all social classes. Psychoactive agents act on the Central Nervous System, causing neuropsychic changes resulting from repetitive consumption. A Former Drug Addict discusses how it all started, his journey until he arrived at our Institution, and after discharge, presenting the biopsychosocial point of view.

By: Ana Graça, Sucame André, Adelina Sassoquele, Mário Domingos, Ottawa Fernandes (Instituto Nacional de Luta Anti-Drogas, INALUD, I.P., Angola)