Official: One in ten Afghans struggling with drug addiction

Afghanistan continues to face a significant drug addiction crisis, with the Ministry of Interior Affairs reporting that millions of people are still battling addiction.

According to the Ministry’s Counter-Narcotics Directorate, treatment programs are underway for thousands of individuals affected by drug dependency, Caliber.Az reports via Afghan media.

Abdul Rahman Qasemi, the civilian deputy for the Ministry’s Counter-Narcotics Directorate, stated that over the past three years, more than 100,000 individuals have received treatment, with 95% of them successfully recovering. The deputy added that the cultivation and trafficking of drugs in Afghanistan have decreased significantly, with the government making serious strides in the battle against the drug trade.

However, Qasemi also highlighted the severity of the issue in Afghan society. "Unfortunately, this problem is more widespread in our society than in others. Cautiously speaking, one in every ten people is addicted, and it is estimated that we have about four million addicts in total. For every addict, at least seven others are affected," Qasemi said.

As part of the efforts to combat drug addiction, the Ministry displayed a handwritten version of the Holy Quran, created by one of the recovered addicts, as an example of the positive changes rehabilitation can bring.

In parallel, Abdul Haq Hamkar, the deputy for counter-narcotics, revealed that the "Aghosh" supportive and therapeutic center is currently treating 5,000 addicts. These individuals not only receive medical care but also participate in religious education programs. Hamkar reported that 32 of the individuals in the center have completed memorizing the Quran, while the rest are in the process of learning.

Recovered individuals have expressed their satisfaction with their progress, both in overcoming their addiction and in their religious studies. They have appealed to the government to offer employment opportunities once they are discharged from the treatment centers, ensuring they do not return to drug use.

The Ministry of Interior Affairs also confirmed that efforts to gather and treat addicts from all provinces are underway. Qasemi urged those who have recovered to stay committed to their new lives and avoid returning to drug use.

By Vugar Khalilov