Recently, an image of a young man sleeping in a building in Altahabana, Boyeros municipality, allegedly under the influence of the drug known as "the chemical," has gone viral on social media. This has raised serious concerns for the young man's wellbeing and ignited discussions about the impact of drug addiction in Cuban society.
The alarm was sounded by a person named Pilar Cutiño, who posted on social media: "This kid has been sleeping here in my building, Los Gallos, for a week. He uses 'the chemical.' Altahabana."
On Facebook, a user named Asere Backagain identified the young man and highlighted the drug's devastating effects on him: "He used to pedal a bike taxi, I saw in the comments his name is Daniel, or something like that. 'The chemical' has destroyed his life."
"He's from Altahabana. I hope his family can help him, but seeing his state, they must be overwhelmed," Asere Backagain added, questioning the Cuban government's ability to tackle the escalating issue of "the chemical" among young people.
The State's Unpreparedness and Societal Complications
The user underscored the lack of state preparedness to address this scourge, which is tearing families apart and increasingly affecting Cuban society: "In this country, there isn't a center that offers mandatory admission services," they noted, pointing out the absence of suitable institutions for treating addiction.
They also highlighted the limitations of the few resources available, such as the Mazmorra Center, which lacks the capacity to meet the needs of the entire Havana, with only a limited number of beds.
"There is absolutely no support for families shattered by drugs. They have to endure losing everything in a country that has left most of its citizens in the direst poverty," the user emphasized, noting how the violence perpetrated by addicts further complicates matters.
According to the user, state institutions respond with ineffective measures, such as fines or brief arrests, perpetuating a cycle of suffering. They also criticized society's role, describing it as "ignorant" for attacking affected families without taking actions like reporting or demanding solutions.
Lack of Resources and Societal Responsibility
"There are no hospitals to admit them, no psychiatrists, no psychologists, no medications, nor the necessary guidance," they stressed, questioning what real options families have to manage these situations.
Additionally, the user pointed out the hypocrisy in certain areas of Havana, such as neighborhoods where FAR military personnel reside: "Very close to Daniel, there's a neighborhood full of FAR military, but many of their children are in the same condition. They do a sweep, but the surroundings remain infected. Nothing changes, while the Cuban nation falls into irreversible decline," they denounced.
Finally, with a poignant tone, the message warns against naive interpretations of the situation: "And if anyone has a more romantic and foolish idea, please abstain. Live it, and then tell me the story," they concluded, making it clear that the drug problem not only affects individuals but also reflects a larger symptom of the structural crisis afflicting the country.
Understanding the Impact of "The Chemical" in Cuba
What is "the chemical" and its effects in Cuba?
"The chemical" is a term used in Cuba to refer to a potent and addictive drug that has severe effects on users, often leading to significant health and social issues.
How is the Cuban government addressing the drug crisis?
The Cuban government's response to the drug crisis has been criticized as inadequate, with limited resources and ineffective measures like fines and brief arrests failing to curb the problem.