Social skills associated with change processes in children and adolescents who consume psychoactive substances in a therapeutic community in Lima

Abstract

The consumption of psychoactive substances in children and adolescents has increased in recent years, with a worrying age of onset between 11 and 14 years in Peru. Therapeutic communities have played a fundamental role in the intervention of these cases, providing treatment and social support to minors in vulnerable situations. In this context, the development of social skills has been identified as a crucial factor for rehabilitation and relapse prevention. Social skills, such as communication, empathy and conflict resolution, play a key role in the processes of change related to substance use. Previous research has shown that strengthening these skills significantly reduces the risk of consumption and facilitates social integration. The present research, based on data from 113 children and adolescents in treatment in a therapeutic community in Lima, analyzes the relationship between social skills and the phases of change according to the Prochaska and DiClemente model. The results showed a significant association between social skills and the process of change (p < 0.05). It was identified that 62% of the participants were in the precontemplation phase, presenting high levels of social anxiety and withdrawal. In adolescents, the correlation between social skills and change was more marked (χ² = 4.87, p < 0.01) than in children, suggesting that psychosocial maturation plays a key role in the transition to abstinence. These findings reinforce the need for interventions aimed at strengthening social skills as a strategy for rehabilitation and prevention of drug use in minors.