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A young Cuban identified on the social network X as @weed_jutsu recently shared a raw and honest account of his experience with “kimiko,” a dangerous synthetic drug that has gained traction among youth sectors on the island.
Through a thread posted on May 26, the young man shared his experience of physical and emotional decline during addiction, as well as the journey that led him to recover and regain control of his life.
“I started to distance myself from my family, from healthy friendships, and isolated myself in my room, with my PC, using drugs and playing Dota,” he recounted in one of the tweets.
According to reports, he spent days without eating, engulfed in a state of total neglect. Although he never appeared publicly in a critical state, he acknowledged that internally he was devastated. “I literally fell into neglect... but no one ever saw me high on the street doing the exorcist, that counts”.
The transformation began with an act of self-awareness. "As a result of looking in the mirror and seeing myself as a mess, I decided to stop using", they wrote bluntly.
From there, a gradual process began, reducing consumption to every other day and a single daily dose, while trying to cope with withdrawal symptoms and the psychological impact.
The key, he explains, was recognizing himself as an addict and deciding to fight in his own way. Physical exercise was a decisive tool. "I started going to the gym, which helped me a lot," he indicated.
In parallel, he opened up to his mother, who offered him her complete support. Shortly after, he met someone at the gym who genuinely cared about him, and whose presence was crucial in helping him achieve his goal. “Having someone who cares about you worried for you and there supporting you helps a lot”.
The thread also reveals darker moments, such as the fact that he encouraged his sister to consume —“it wasn’t against her will,” he clarifies— and an overdose experienced by a friend that ended in the hospital and nearly involved the police.
In conclusion, @weed_jutsu made a call to those who are still trapped in that world. "Stay away from the kimiko, seek support from family, from healthy friends, seek professional help. It's fun in the short term, but in the long run..."
"I saw people with homes, cars, and families lose everything, ending up living on the street. The world of drugs is not as glamorous as it seems."
The "kimiko," a growing threat in Cuba
The so-called "kimiko" is a synthetic drug that has gained popularity in recent years in Cuba, particularly among young people and teenagers. According to experts from the Ministry of Interior (Minint), a new lethal version of this substance is currently circulating in the country, which contains elements such as fentanyl, a highly potent opioid associated with tens of thousands of overdose deaths worldwide, as well as formaldehyde, veterinary anesthetics, benzodiazepines, and phenobarbital.
The drug is sold in the form of impregnated paper wrappers and has been linked to multiple poisonings in health centers across the country. The adverse effects range from hallucinations and tachycardia to multi-organ failure and risk of death.
The consumption of "kimiko" has also been linked to an increase in violent episodes, induced psychosis, and self-destructive behaviors.
Although the authorities have conducted raids and arrests related to the trafficking of this substance, access remains widespread due to its low cost and distribution in school areas, peripheral neighborhoods, and through informal networks.
Medical and social organizations have called for urgent awareness campaigns, as well as the establishment of accessible and effective rehabilitation centers for those struggling with addiction.
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