Objective: to investigate the criteria used by health professionals to identify the phase of consumption of alcohol and drug users, and actions directed to their care.
Method: a qualitative study developed with 14 professionals from a Brazilian Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs (Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas) based in the south of the country. Data were collected in June 2017 through semi-structured interviews and then submitted to thematic analysis.
Results: the criteria used by the professionals were: periodicity of use; amount and type of drug used; repercussions of misuse; and place that the drug occupies in the person's life. The actions developed were orientation and referral to support groups, therapeutic workshops and individual care.
Final considerations: the chronic nature of alcohol/drug use/dependence requires specific care in each phase, and objective criteria to identify and intervene in early phases, aiming at the prevention of chemical dependence.