The aim of this study was to describe and to debate the experiences of some managers of institutions providing care to drug addicts in the Paraiba Valley, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It deals with qualitative and exploratory research using ten managers from institutions which provide care to drug addicts. Some semi-directed interviews were carried out and their transcripts were submitted for analysis. We found out that there is a lack of specialized professionals and interdisciplinary teams in the area of health as well as a lack of planning and proper operation in these institutions. We also observed the presence of religious activities predicated by homilies about helping thy neighbor and the appreciation of tasks devoted to work, discipline and spirituality. We conclude that it is very important for leaders of institutions working with drug addicts to develop or even acquire the necessary training for the complex work of rehabilitation of this clinical population, which is consistently excluded and stigmatized.
Drug abuse; Rehabilitation centers; Professional of health; Patient care team