Objective: To compare the consequences of psychoactive substance use among users of mental health services in Brazil and Portugal. Method: Cross-sectional, comparative, quantitative study, carried out with 362 users of two specialized treatment services in the cities of São Paulo (n = 200) and Lisbon (n = 162). Data collected in 2019 through the application of the Substance Addiction Consequences scale. A descriptive analysis and ordinary least squares and logistic regressions were performed. Results: All dimensions assessed by the scale were more severe for Brazilian users, with a difference for the physical domain and cognitive skills (p < 0.01). Brazilian participants were more likely to consume cocaine (p < 0.01) and have psychosis (p = 0.02) and Portuguese participants to have hepatitis (p < 0.01), personality disorders (p < 0.01), use benzodiazepines (p < 0.01) and tobacco (p < 0.01), and receive pharmacological support (p < 0.01). Conclusion: It was found that Brazilian users have more serious consequences related to substance use, and Portuguese users have more comorbidities and exposure to risky consumption. It emerges that Portuguese responses minimize the consequences severity.

Structured intervention programs are an important resource for supporting people with substance addiction. Although evidence suggests that they improve health outcomes, such as specific symptoms, less is known about their impact on patients’ ability to self-manage the consequences of substance addiction. The aim of this review is to scope outpatient intervention programs focused on the self-management of substance addiction consequences. Approach. This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. MEDLINE and CINAHL (through Ebsco), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (including PsycINFO) and Web of Science were screened to identify articles published in the last 10 years. Only primary research was included. Out of 891 records, 19 were eligible for this review—12 randomized controlled trials (RCT), 6 quasi-experimental study and 1 observational study. Those studies reported group interventions (10), individual interventions (8) and 1 mixed approach. The most common interventions were based on motivational strategies, relapse prevention and definition of active plans for risky situations. 10 studies reported positive effects. The identification of structured programs may support the development of new approaches focused on empowerment and quality of life of people with substance addiction. Programs to empower patients for self-management of substance addiction consequences are often complex and rely on health professionals’ commitment. Nevertheless, they are a feasible approach that seems to benefit patients managing chronic conditions associated with substance addiction.

Therapeutic interventions for people with problematic use of psychoactive substances can help tackle specific needs related to substance addiction consequences. This modified e-Delphi study aimed to establish consensus on a training program for self-management of substance addiction consequences. The study was conducted between February and April 2022, with an experts’ sample of 28 participants in the first round and 24 in the second. A priori consensus criteria were defined for each round. The results revealed a very strong consensus was achieved on the structure of the program and on clinical areas, such as the problematic use of substances, general health knowledge, health-seeking behavior and adherence, self-knowledge and well-being, social role and personal dignity, and family process. Additionally, over 80% participant consensus was achieved on an extensive number of interventions categorized as psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic, socio therapeutic, brief interventions, social skills training, problem solving techniques, relaxation techniques, and counseling. These findings may be able to fulfill a gap concerning structured treatment approaches for people with problematic use of psychoactive substances. Supporting self-management of the consequences of substance addiction and its application can change nurses’ interventions.

Contexto: Uma das respostas à dependência de substâncias psicoativas são os programas farmacológicos. O conhecimento sobre o impacto destes programas é escasso e é necessário avaliar o contributo e o impacto da consulta de enfermagem integrada nestes programas. Objetivo: Caracterizar o cuidado de enfermagem prestado com uma população com dependência de substâncias psicoactivas numa Equipa Técnica Especializada de Tratamento. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, observacional, analítico, de abordagem quantitativa, com uma população com dependência a substâncias psicoactivas, integrada em programa farmacológico e em consulta de enfermagem. Amostragem por conveniência. Utilizou-se formulário para caracterização sociodemográfica, psicossocial e estado de saúde; Escala Consequências da Dependência de Substâncias (CDS) e o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Registados dois diagnósticos e duas intervenções prioritárias. Resultados: Participaram 162 pessoas. Média de Idade 46,96, maioritariamente homens (76,5%), solteiros (51,9%), desempregados (58,6%), em programa farmacológico com metadona (68,6%), policonsumidores, com consumos nocivos e dependência face ao álcool (34,9%) e com várias comorbilidades. Sobre as CDS, e por ordem decrescente de severidade “ansiedade”, “dificuldade em manter um emprego”, “tristeza”, “dificuldade em manter-se financeiramente”, “problemas no relacionamento familiar”. Diagnosticou-se “adesão ao regime terapêutico comprometido”, “ansiedade presente”, “uso de álcool abusivo/dependente”. As principais intervenções de enfermagem “reforçar a relação terapêutica”, “ensinar e incentivar o autocuidado”, “ensinar/reforçar/assistir sobre adesão ao regime terapêutico”. Conclusões: Os dados evidenciam que os diagnósticos mais trabalhados pelos enfermeiros são a adesão terapêutica, a minimização dos consumos e o autocuidado. Outros domínios serão eventualmente sub diagnosticados na prática clínica, de acordo com a avaliação das consequências do consumo de substâncias.

Background: Harmful substance use affects millions of people, producing health and social consequences that require both professional support and effective self-management. This study piloted a self-management program targeting the consequences of substance addiction in adults enrolled in medication-based program. Methods: A parallel-group pilot trial compared the Self-Management Substance Addiction Consequences Program (ADS Program) with treatment as usual (TAU) to assess the program’s effectiveness and identify the need for adjustments to the intervention or the trial design. Seventy-two randomly selected adults enrolled for at least 5 weeks in medication-based program for alcohol or other drugs participated. Data were collected at baseline and after 8 to 21 weeks to assess effects on substance addiction consequences (SAC) and positive mental health (PMH). Results: Of the 236 patients screened, 72 were randomized: 38 to the ADS Program and 34 to TAU. Twenty-five participants completed the ADS Program (34.2% attrition), and 16 completed TAU (52% attrition). ADS participants attended more sessions (6 vs 2), although still fewer than planned. Participants in the ADS Program demonstrated significant reduction in SAC (paired t(24) = –5.718, P < .001, d = –1.169). Similar improvements were observed in the TAU group (paired t(15) = –6.357, P < .001, d = –1.580), with no significant differences between groups ( P > .05). PMH also improved in both groups. The ADS group showed a statistically significant increase (paired t(20) = –3.945, P < .001, d = –0.861), whereas the TAU group demonstrated marginally non-significant improvement (paired t(11) = –2.170, P = .053, d = –0.626). No significant between-group differences were identified ( P > .05). Conclusions: This pilot trial indicates that the ADS Program is feasible, safe, and potentially effective in supporting self-management of SAC. Findings suggest an adjusted duration of 6 to 18 weeks may be beneficial. Given the substantial dropout rate, further research with larger samples is needed to confirm effectiveness and improve retention.