The experiences with chemical dependency in a “healing house” in Southern Brazil

Abstract

The article has the aim is to present the trajectories of men who decided on an alternative treatment to cure addiction through ayahuasca (daime) in a religious institution located in Southern Brazil. From the experience reports sought to verify as these men understand the relationship between “sick” and “being cured” and what motives they find to incorporate the norms established by this institution after being cured there. The results indicates that these men understand their social lives from the relationship between “before curing” and “after the cure.” The article concludes arguing that “before curing” is reported by these individuals as a stage of life that they had no awareness of their social activities. Therefore the participation in the institution appeared as a significant social security by treating them distinctly, as examples of people who have overcome drug addiction. They can live a “new life” social because currently they considered to be “aware” of their choices on the contemporary world.