In the quaint neighborhood of Tibás, the lives of siblings Jazmín and Esteban unfolded with the close-knit charm typical of a tight community. A year apart in age, these siblings shared their childhood, their walk to school, their games, and, tragically, their descent into the world of addiction.
The Spiral Begins
Their journey into the abyss started innocuously—with tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana during their teenage years. However, the descent was rapid, evolving from occasional use to a dependency that demanded daily attention. The pandemic in 2021 introduced them to harsher substances like LSD, and by 2022, even harder drugs like cocaine had entered the fray.
A Community’s Curse and a Sister’s Courage
As they delved deeper into drug use, the siblings witnessed the stark realities of addiction in their community where drugs were as accessible as everyday groceries. Jazmín, particularly moved by her harsh circumstances and a challenging childhood marked by domestic violence and neglect, found herself spiraling faster than Esteban.
Rehabilitation: A Beacon of Hope
Recognizing the destructive path they were on, both sought refuge in rehabilitation—Jazmín in a center for women in Alajuela, and Esteban in a separate facility offering an extended eight-month program. Their parallel paths through rehab were fraught with the psychological remnants of addiction, battling not just the physical cravings but also the societal stigma associated with their conditions.
Institutional Intervention and Public Perception
Their plight and recovery is not an isolated narrative but a reflection of a larger crisis managed by institutions like the Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA). With a rising trend in drug-related admissions, the IAFA has been pivotal in addressing the needs of thousands, like Jazmín and Esteban, offering them a chance at redemption and recovery. The surge in drug dependency cases, particularly post-pandemic, underscores a societal issue that is gradually gaining visibility and, hopefully, empathy.
The Road Ahead
As they continue their rehabilitation, the siblings’ story is a testament to the pervasive power of addiction and the potential for recovery through resilience and support. Their journey is a stark reminder of the personal and communal battles waged against the backdrop of drug abuse—a battle that is both deeply personal and widely communal.
