Objective:

To know work characteristics and care strategies in mental health with crack users, from the daily life of a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAPS AD).

Method:

Qualitative and evaluative study, case study, developed in a CAPS AD, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was used as theoretical and methodological framework, the Fourth Generation Evaluation. Data collection occurred from January to March 2013. There were 36 interviews with workers, users, family members and managers.

Results: The service daily provides flexible spaces that stimulate creativity and centrality in the user. Prioritizes bonding and listening to strengthen the relationship with the user and weaken their relationship with the drug.

Final considerations:

It is considered the importance of substitutive services in the consolidation of diversified care strategies that can reframe the centrality of drug and rescue user's protagonism.

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