Implications of deficit discourse in the conversations of a mother who requests forced treatment

Implicações do discurso do déficit nas conversas de uma mãe que solicita tratamento forçado

Implications du discours déficitaire sur les conversations d’une mère qui demande traitement forcé

Implicaciones del discurso del déficit en las conversaciones de una madre que solicita tratamiento forzado

Abstract

This case study analyzes the implications of deficit discourse on the daily conversations of a mother who requested forced treatment for her son. Data were analyzed drawing on social construction, with an emphasis on positioning theory and deficit discourse. Two episodes displaying deficit discourse were analyzed: one about the son as someone who is powerless, coping with drug use and another about the mother as someone unable to help her son. A sample letter was constructed using relational discourse, which provided new understandings for practice. Results support the benefits of collaborative and relational approaches for people who use drugs and for the emotional support of families.

Keywords:
family; involuntary treatment; drug (use); social constructionism