El consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y su influencia en las relaciones interpersonales en los estudiantes de la carrera de trabajo social de la Universidad Laica "Eloy Alfaro de Manabí" años 2024-2025.

Abstract

The research project entitled "The use of psychoactive substances and its influence on interpersonal relationships among social work students at the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, 2024-2025" addresses a problem of high social and academic relevance. The general objective is to determine the influence of psychoactive substance use on the interpersonal relationships of university students in order to guide prevention and support strategies within the student environment. This problematic situation is evident in the increase in the use of legal and illegal substances among young people who, pressured by academic stress, emotional factors, and social adjustment, resort to these practices as an escape route, deteriorating their health, relationships, and performance. The methodology follows a quantitative and exploratory approach, based on social learning theory, operant conditioning, and the ecological model of social work. A structured survey was administered to a sample of 214 students in the program. Among the results, 46% reported use of some psychoactive substance; The most common were alcohol (56%), coffee (46%), and cigarettes (22%), perceived as easily accessible and normalized in university life. In conclusion, consumption responds to personal and contextual factors; although there is awareness of the risks, a pattern of voluntary and frequent use persists. Multidisciplinary interventions and preventive strategies are required to strengthen emotional and social well-being, promote support networks, and foster healthy interpersonal relationships in future professionals.