Scientific Concept Note
Scientific Concept Note
Brazilian Observatory for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
This concept note presents a proposed longitudinal research platform focused on addiction recovery, mental health, therapeutic communities, psychosocial reintegration and long-term outcomes in Brazil. The project is intended for development with qualified academic, medical and research partners.
Executive Summary
The Brazilian Observatory for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery is a proposed initiative designed to collect and analyze longitudinal data from adults receiving care through participating therapeutic communities and mental health organizations. The initial phase would be observational and non-interventional. Potential outcomes include treatment retention, relapse, craving, depression, anxiety, quality of life, emotional regulation, family reintegration, social functioning, spirituality and recovery after discharge.
Scientific Rationale
Substance use disorders involve biological, psychological, relational, social, cultural and existential factors. Recovery may be affected by craving, emotional distress, stigma, family conflict, social vulnerability, treatment discontinuity and limited follow-up after discharge. Brazilian therapeutic communities may provide valuable real-world settings for longitudinal research, but standardized outcome data remain limited.
Research Objectives
Primary objective: Evaluate longitudinal mental health, addiction recovery and psychosocial outcomes among adults receiving care through participating Brazilian institutions.
- ✦ Describe participant characteristics at admission
- ✦ Measure treatment retention and adherence
- ✦ Evaluate craving and relapse
- ✦ Assess depression and anxiety
- ✦ Monitor quality of life
- ✦ Examine emotional regulation
- ✦ Assess family and social reintegration
- ✦ Explore spirituality and meaning
- ✦ Evaluate outcomes after discharge
- ✦ Assess the feasibility of digital monitoring
Proposed Study Design
The initial project is proposed as a prospective, longitudinal and non-interventional observational study. Participants would continue receiving the standard care already provided by participating institutions. The research would document outcomes without assigning experimental treatments or administering psychedelic substances.
Proposed Study Population
The initial population may include adults receiving care for substance use disorders through participating therapeutic communities and mental health organizations in Brazil. Final inclusion and exclusion criteria would be defined according to the scientific protocol and ethical review.
- ✦ Adults capable of informed consent
- ✦ Individuals receiving care for substance use disorders
- ✦ Participants enrolled through approved partner institutions
- ✦ Individuals willing to participate in follow-up