O álcool dentro dos agravos em urgências e emergências: um estudo de representações sociais

Objective: the study’s purpose has been to gain further understanding with regards to the social representations of alcohol users, and also to assess its complications within the health services of urgencies and emergencies. Methods: this is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, which used the moscovici’s social representations in order to understand the representations about urgencies and traumatic emergencies related to alcohol abuse. Results: based on the findings, the following three support meaning centers were identified: impressions and experiences with regards to alcohol intake; representations related to either the consequences or aggravations of the accident; and, representations by considering the family viewpoint. conclusions: the participants’ statements reveal a pronounced suffering of both the families and users due to the consumption and the abuse of alcoholic beverages. This study aimed to contribute towards improving the scientific knowledge about people’s behavior, particularly, those who use alcohol regularly. Therefore, through this research, the health professionals may find a solid scientific support to helping them to stand against this issue, as well as preventing people’s health aggravations.