This is a qualitative research which aimed to describe how users of alcohol and other drugs perceive their treatment in an operational group focused on teaching-learning health care. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 16 users of alcohol and other drugs who participated in an operational group that took place from January to March, 2010, in a teaching hospital in Southern Brazil. The users' testimonials were interpreted according to Thematic Content Analyses, which revealed two categories: perception of the losses resultant of the use of alcohol and other drugs and perception of the operational group regarding their treatment. Results showed that the group can contribute to the abstinence process and the social inclusion of these users, and also highlighted the importance of the nurse in the coordination of mental health care groups.
Substance-related disorders; Group processes; Drug users