RESUMO
It was compared the level of perceived emotional intelligence (PEI) with prevalence or not prevalence of life of use of psychoactive substances (PLU-PS or n-PLU-PS) in 559 school adolescents in the city of Monteria, Colombia [men 49.69%, women 50.4%, average age 15 and range 12-18 years]. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, an ad hoc questionnaire was applied to obtain socio-demographic and clinical data that evaluate the PLU-PS and the TMMS-24 questionnaire for the PEI. It appears with a higher prevalence of life of use alcohol, followed by cannabis and tobacco. When the groups were compared according to their PLU-PS or n-PLU-PS, in relation to the dimensions of the PEI, it was found that those who never used alcohol presented a better emotional clarity. The women with not prevalence of life of use of alcohol, perceived their emotions more clearly and those of others, but no significant differences were found in the groups and the other substances against the PEI. This would be a protective factor for the drug use, particularly alcohol and avoid the early appearance of PLU-PS. A low PEI can lead to consumption of alcohol, but its consumption would also affect the abilities of PEI. It is recommended the development of investigations the measuring the skills of emotional intelligence (EI), transcending only its perception. Likewise, the design of psychoeducational programs in EI for the prevention of psychoactive substances use.
