The perception of the dependence symptoms is a key factor on the treatment seeking process by people who suffer from it, and its understanding is a relevant health issue. On the other hand, there are adjuvant factors that should be recognized by the physician, such as the symbolic meanings of the mother-children relationship, given that psycho-cultural meanings of motherhood can reshape the lives of women addicted to tobacco.

To discuss experienced psychological meanings attributed by mothers who have sought treatment, considering the condition of being caregivers of their children.

Qualitative study conducted with an intentional sample of 13 tobacco dependent women seeking formal treatment; in-depth semi-structured interviews.

The diagnostic criteria on substance dependence were spontaneously reported by the participants. They show a certain motivation to seek treatment, not always clearly said. It is relevant that mothers do not focus on the objectivity of the existence of your child or your maternal condition, but talk about motherhood as a representation of the self-image. Mothers create within themselves the idea that they are good role models for their children. They try to preserve the image of an idealized mother, installed according to standards when they were children.

The interviewees have a proper understanding on the seeking treatment process and seem to evaluate subjectively and carefully the distress related to the dependence tobacco. Their condition of being a mother, however, can be subtly touched by the physician, after establishing a relationship of mutual confidence.