“Today I am living, before I was destroying myself.” With that powerful statement, a Cuban teenager encapsulates the journey of pain and hope that characterized his recovery from drug addiction.
His testimony, recently shared in a report by state television, is part of a series of voices that are gradually finding space in the official media to speak candidly about a problem that for decades was denied or downplayed by government rhetoric.
The young people interviewed share how drugs changed their lives, how they managed to start anew in a rehabilitation center, and how today they dream again of studying, working, and being accepted by their families.
“Today my family trusts me. Before it was a problem, now I am the solution”, states one of them, grateful for having found an opportunity to rebuild himself.
Families also shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of learning to set boundaries, understanding addiction as a disease, and accepting that substance use does not recognize social class distinctions.
“Let’s not think that just because we have a good education we are exempt. It’s up to all of us,” warned the mother of a teenager in rehabilitation, emphasizing the urgency of acknowledging the scourge.
A problem that can no longer be hidden
Although the government has tried to present these testimonies as a narrative of overcoming, the truth is that they reveal a crack in the state’s narrative. Drugs are hitting the Cuban youth hard and can no longer be concealed.
For years, the authorities insisted on downplaying consumption and presenting it as an isolated phenomenon. However, in April 2024, the Ministry of Interior (MININT) itself acknowledged for the first time an increase in drug use, particularly of the synthetic known as the chemical, and warned about the decrease in the age of initiation, which is now between 13 and 14 years, as well as the expansion of consumption among young women, including pregnant women.
That same year, public health officials publicly acknowledged that the country was facing difficulties in controlling the phenomenon and that poly-drug use among adolescents had increased.
Shortly thereafter, in August, the MININT confirmed the presence of drugs in secondary and pre-university schools, pointing to a concerning increase of the substance in student environments.
The turn in the narrative deepened in February 2025, when the government declared a "war on drug trafficking" and announced the creation of the National Drug Observatory to monitor the phenomenon.
Three months later, Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the social concern over the increase in consumption in Havana neighborhoods such as Guanabacoa, although he shifted much of the responsibility to families without addressing the structural causes that fuel the problem.
Finally, in July 2025, the government officially presented the Observatory as a “zero tolerance” tool, featuring an early warning system and promises of research and data that are still yet to materialize.
Voices that move and warn
Beyond the official statements, what touches the heart are the words of those who have managed to move forward. “Today I hug my mom, kiss my grandma, and I see them happier”, confessed a young man who has been clean for four months.
Pain also affects families. "Let's not lose sight of our young people. At the slightest change, let's seek help. It doesn't matter where we live; drugs touch everyone," insisted a mother, making it clear that this scourge is no longer limited to "marginal neighborhoods" or vulnerable sectors and that it reaches all of Cuban society.
The testimonies broadcasted by official television depict a Cuba that can no longer deny the advancement of drug use. These accounts honor the resilience of young people and families, but they also reveal a drama that is growing silently: the lack of social and institutional tools to confront an expanding epidemic.
While the government seeks to capitalize on the discourse with new structures like the National Drug Observatory, the voices of these young people remind us that the urgent matter is not propaganda, but prevention, genuine care, and the hope that "living" is the option for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Use in Cuba
What is the current situation of drug consumption in Cuba?
The consumption of drugs in Cuba has increased significantly, especially among the youth, with a rise in the use of synthetic drugs such as "el químico". This substance is easily accessible and low-cost, leading to a growing pattern of use in school environments and peripheral neighborhoods.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to combat the drug problem?
The Cuban government has declared a "war on drug trafficking" and has established the National Drug Observatory with the goal of monitoring and controlling the phenomenon. However, the measures have primarily been repressive, focusing on police operations and exemplary trials, without adequately addressing the structural causes of the problem.
How does the consumption of "the chemical" affect the health of young Cubans?
"The chemical" is a highly toxic synthetic drug that can cause seizures, severe hallucinations, and irreversible neurological damage. Its use has been linked to violent episodes and self-destructive behaviors, posing a serious health risk to young people in Cuba.
What role do families play in addressing drug consumption in Cuba?
The Cuban government has insisted that families must be a fundamental pillar in the fight against drugs. However, the responsibility should not fall solely on them, as the problem has deeper roots that require a comprehensive response, including effective public policies and institutional support.
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