On February 20th, marked as the National Day to Combat Drugs and Alcoholism, Porto Alegre stands out for its initiatives in the area of public health and social assistance. Substance abuse, including alcohol, cigarettes, crack and cocaine, is classified as a medical condition by the World Health Organization (WHO). Aiming to offer support in this area, the city provides eight Alcohol and Drug Psychosocial Care Centers (Caps AD), in addition to 134 health units for guidance and reception, accessible without the need for prior referral.
Caps AD, specialized mental health services, welcome individuals affected by the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs. Operating on an “open door” model, these centers do not require referrals from other healthcare facilities. Available to adults and adolescents aged 15 and over, they are categorized into Caps AD type II, IV and six type III units, totaling eight centers in the region.
Gabriel da Silva Mazzini, psychologist and technical advisor for the Mental Health Care Coordination of the Municipal Health Department (SMS), reports that the city serves, on average, 4.5 thousand people monthly. Each user receives multiple forms of assistance, guaranteeing a personalized therapeutic plan. Mazzini also emphasizes the importance of supporting family members and guardians, who can seek guidance and support at the centers, prepared to deal with different situations, including those where the patient does not seek help independently.
Caps AD offers varied hours and services. Caps AD II is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Caps AD III, with 12 beds, operates 24 hours a day, receiving patients until 8pm. Caps AD IV, a pioneer in Brazil, has 20 beds and a team of psychiatrists available 24 hours a day. The teams are multidisciplinary, including psychiatrists and clinicians, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, physical education professionals, among other specialists.
Addresses of Alcohol and Drug Psychosocial Care Centers:
Caps AD II GCC
Rua Raul Moreira, 253 – Cristal
(51) 3289-5734
Caps AD III Step by Step
Avenida Carneiro da Fontoura, 57 – Jardim São Pedro
(51) 3345-1759
Caps AD III NHNI
Avenida Pernambuco, 1700 – Navegantes
(51) 3230-6362
Caps AD III SCS
Avenida Cavalhada, 1930 – Cavalhada
(51) 3230-6364
Caps AD III PLP
Rua Dona Firmina, 144 – São José
(51) 3230-6360
Caps AD III Paths of the Sun
Avenida Protásio Alves, 7585 – Alto Petrópolis
(51) 3407-5225
Caps AD III Girassol
Estrada João Antônio da Silveira, 440 – Restinga
(51) 3248-7704
Caps AD IV Open Sky
Rua Comendador Azevedo, 97 – Floresta
(51) 3230-6366
