The consumption of alcohol and drugs in the Caribbean city of Bluefields has grown at an alarming rate. The death by alcoholic intoxication of a 15-year-old teenager with the initials JZG is a warning bell.
The young man, who was the youngest of four brothers, drank liquor with minor friends, one of whom is still admitted to the intensive care room of the Regional Hospital in Bluefields.
But the tragedy of these minors is a case that adds to the deaths from traffic accidents, suicides and violent crimes, whose main trigger has been the intake of spirituous and hallucinating substances.
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“We are facing a society that consumes liquor every day if possible, especially in this season of the end of the year, situations of mourning, tragedies and irreparable losses are triggered due to the uncontrolled use of alcohol,” warns the director of the Center for Psychosocial Care, CAPS, Dr. Rubén Dávila.
Vices attack young people
The place in charge of Dávila is a reference center for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with addictions. He points out that in recent months, many teenagers are being treated for binge drinking.
“Our kids are the main focus, unfortunately, they are consuming at all times, at school, in their homes, parties, social drinks call them, but it is only an excuse for the consumption of this substance that is causing them serious damage,” Davila points out.
“Young people suffer an onslaught from this vice. This drink often causes imbalance, not only mental but also emotional and physical, help must be sought, we must solve it,” reflected Dávila.
He explained that during the month of November, the Bluefields CAPS has treated 290 patients for addictions, 120 have been for alcohol consumption. “Now, the serious thing is that 90% of these cares are for young people,” lamented Dávila.
Prevention, the key
Although the law prohibits the sale of liquor to youth under the age of 18, buyers and sellers appear to be “skipping” the ban. Although the seller’s failure to comply with this provision will be punished by fifteen days of arrest and a fine of C$500 to C$1,000.
In case of recidivism, the arrest will be for thirty days, the fine will be twice the first imposed and the license that authorizes the sale of liquor will be cancelled.
“Society has to work integrated to recover values and be in solidarity with people who are already in a stage of addiction, bars and public places of entertainment must comply with the restriction,” Dávila recommended.
In Bluefields, violence motivated by drug use increases the bad statistics, so according to the specialist, action should be taken without waiting any longer. “We already have the problem, we cannot expect an increase in homicides, femicides, injuries or property damage. You have to act, ”he called.
