A young man lost his life on Monday in Havana after falling from a rooftop while under the influence of a drug locally referred to as "the chemical." This substance is increasingly consumed by young people on the island. The deceased, known as Alex David Rivero Naranjo, hailed from the Santos Suárez neighborhood in Havana's Diez de Octubre municipality.
An emotional farewell was posted on Facebook by a user identified as "Abreu Rivero Rachel," saying, "I still can't grasp your loss. May God welcome you into a beautiful place. Although you're no longer with us, your smile, kindness, and the moments we shared will always remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know the wonderful person you were. Rest in peace. Fly high."
In the comments section of the post, dozens of people who knew the victim expressed their shock over the tragedy. "He was a good kid, one of the best guys in the unit," recalled a young man who served in the military with Alex David. A former teacher noted that he was a quiet boy and expressed surprise and sorrow over the incident. "The family is mourning the loss of my nephew. Rest in peace. Never forget you," wrote an uncle on social media alongside a photo of himself with the young man.
Many of Alex David Rivero's acquaintances have highlighted his noble character and kindness, lamenting how drugs are claiming the lives of an increasing number of young people in Cuba. As of the time of this report, no further details have emerged regarding the circumstances of the young man's death.
The Threat of "The Chemical" in Cuba
In recent months, alarming scenes of Cuban youth under the influence of "the chemical" have gone viral on social media, causing widespread concern. These videos often show individuals experiencing convulsions, shouting, losing motor control, and engaging in reckless behavior, underscoring the severity of this issue.
The chemical is part of the synthetic cannabinoid group, substances designed to mimic the effects of marijuana but are actually far more potent and dangerous. This drug is clandestinely produced without health regulations, using low-cost toxic ingredients like formaldehyde and veterinary anesthetics, which are sprayed onto dried herbs for consumption in adulterated cigarettes.
The drug can be up to a hundred times stronger than marijuana, making it highly addictive. It is popular among young people due to its low cost and rapid psychoactive effects. The immediate effects are severe, including euphoria, altered perception, nausea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and loss of muscle control. Long-term use leads to irreversible damage, impacting mental health with disorders like anxiety, psychosis, and hallucinations, as well as physical health issues like kidney, liver, and heart failure.
Family's Role in Prevention
Dr. Elizabeth Céspedes Lantigua, a specialist in General Integral Medicine and Psychiatry and director of the Adolescent Rehabilitation Center (CDA), has described the drug's destructive impact on young people, who often remain unaware of its composition. "Naivety and lack of information prevent them from considering what they're consuming, quickly trapping them in a state of addiction," she explains.
Dr. Céspedes emphasizes the significance of family involvement in preventing drug use: "Parents must set boundaries, foster values, and be vigilant for warning signs. Allowing adolescents to smoke or drink alcohol opens the door to experimenting with more dangerous substances like 'the chemical,'" she warns.
She urges families to seek professional help if they suspect substance use or encounter difficulties within the family dynamic: "Early detection offers a chance to change the path for these youths and prevent them from becoming part of the tragic addiction statistics," she concludes.
The CDA has been instrumental in rehabilitating young addicts, demonstrating that with professional support, willpower, and education, reversing the damage caused by these substances is possible. However, Dr. Céspedes stresses that this fight must be a collective societal commitment to protect future generations from an issue that cannot be ignored.
The Cuban Government's Failure to Address Drug Issues
In a recent statement, Colonel Juan Carlos Poey Guerra, head of the anti-drug unit at the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), offered a critical analysis of the worsening drug trafficking situation and the devastating impact of synthetic substances in Cuba. Despite emphasizing that most issues originate from abroad, the increasing consumption of synthetic cannabinoids, known as "the chemical," has highlighted the vulnerability of the domestic market.
Colonel Poey Guerra pointed out that the distribution of these substances, often found on paper, poses an additional challenge due to their high addiction potential and extreme risk of intoxication. Easy access, low cost, and the proliferation of counterfeit drugs have exacerbated the issue, particularly affecting young people.
As anti-drug operations intensify across the country, this phenomenon underscores the urgent need to strengthen prevention and education strategies, especially in a regional and global context where drug trafficking, maritime routes, and the expansion of synthetic drugs continue to challenge public safety and health.
Recent operations in Havana saw several individuals arrested for selling illicit substances, including marijuana and "the chemical." Last September, 22 people were detained in Havana for selling the synthetic drug "in paper form," known as "the chemical."
Understanding the Impact of "The Chemical" in Cuba
What is "the chemical" consumed in Cuba?
"The chemical" refers to synthetic cannabinoids designed to mimic marijuana effects but are much more potent and hazardous. It is produced illegally, often using toxic substances.
Why is "the chemical" popular among Cuban youth?
The drug's popularity stems from its low cost and rapid psychoactive effects, making it attractive to young people despite its dangerous consequences.
What are the consequences of using "the chemical"?
Short-term effects include euphoria, perception changes, and physical symptoms like nausea and convulsions. Long-term use leads to severe mental and physical health issues.
How can families help prevent drug use?
Families play a crucial role by setting boundaries, promoting values, and being aware of warning signs. Seeking professional help early can change the course for at-risk youth.