Intergenerational Approach of Crack Users by Using Genograms

BACKGROUND: It is known that family history of drug use is considered an important risk factor for drug use. However, studies that depict the intergenerational trajectory of drug use, especially with crack cocaine users, are still need. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the use of drugs among the generations of crack cocaine users. METHODS: It is a descriptive and qualitative study that was conducted from May to June of 2014, with 10 users, through interviews and genograms. RESULTS: It was evidenced that the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana is a reality since the generation of grandparents, highlighting the consumption of alcohol by woman with a progressive increase on the following generations. Cocaine, crack cocaine, and other drugs emerge from the generation of parents. On the horizontal line, drug use is a common practice among brothers. Family ties vary among “close”, “hostile” and “broken” between father and mother; “close” with mothers, and “broken” or “distant” with fathers. The present drug use across all the generations reaffirms historical trends as a social practice described in different cultures for decades. CONCLUSION: Crack cocaine, as a new product, inexpensive and easy to purchase, comes changing the pattern of consumption. The differentiated approach to drug users, with emphasis on intergenerational context is the main contribution of this study to the advancement of scientific knowledge in this area.