Representaciones sociales del estado y la comunidad sobre la rehabilitación de jóvenes con adicciones en zonas urbano marginales de Guayaquil 2016-2019

Abstract

Introduction: The article explores the social representations of the State and community regarding rehabilitation of youth and adolescents, affected by the problematic consumption of substances subject to control, in the neighbourhoods of Guayaquil. Between 2016 and 2019, there were a series of fires in small clandestine clinics for people with addictions. There were deaths and injuries among those who were interned for rehabilitation processes. Objective: To analyse social representations on addictions management as a public health problem. Methodologically, it is a descriptive, longitudinal and qualitative, hermeneutical investigation. Results: There is a repeated circle of interventions from the state institutions in face of the problem. Parallel, discrepant and even contradictory positions are evident about rehabilitation of people with addictions. A state management based on a fragmentary, punitive paradigm, implemented with a technocratic and administrative accent, is disconnected from the problems and vision of the community, avoids community participation and does not audit a solution. Conclusions: It is necessary to review the social representations of the State and its addiction management, understanding the urgency of including social participation as the basis of the health system and the same democratic functioning.