Logar residents seek more facilities for treatment of drug addicts

PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): A number of residents and drug addicts in central Logar province have demanded rehabilitation facilities increased for drug addicts in the province.

Officials say that efforts are underway to provide better treatment for drug addicts.

Rahimullah, 45, who was addicted to narcotics in Iran 13 years ago, told Pajhwok Afghan News that he had been admitted to quit addiction in the Arsala Jamal hospital for the past one month, but facing problems due to lack of suitable space and facilities in the hospital.

He asked the Ministry of Public Health and Logar provincial administration to build a specific rehabilitation centre in this province.

He said: “I have been addicted to drugs for 13 years. I was encouraged by bad friends. Currently, I have been arrested by the security forces and I’m undergoing treatment, but this time I have a firm intention to give up drugs and live my normal life.”

Haji Rohullah, a resident of Logar, called the campaign to collect the and rehabilitate addicts a positive step, but insisted on providing a suitable place and facilities for the treatment of addicts in this province.

He said many people become addicted to drugs due to unemployment, and the government should reduce the unemployment rate.

“The government should work to completely prevent drugs, because more young people get addicted to drugs, most of the addicted youths are educated, but they are used to drugs,” he added.

Fahimullah Lodin, a spokesman for the public health department, told Pajhwok that a 30-bed hospital had been opened in Pul-i-Alam City for the treatment of addicts and dozens of addicts are currently admitted there.

He added that there was no exact number of addicts at the public health department of Logar. Since the beginning of this year, 100 addicts had been treated.

He added: “Arsala Jamal Hospital is located near the police headquarters; it has 30 beds. We treat addicts in these stages. First, we take the history of the addict and separate him from his friends. Second, we give advice on how to avoid drugs. Consume less and in the third phase, we carry out the basic treatment in the hospital for 45 days.”

Ahmadullah Anas, a spokesman for the police headquarters, said a campaign to collect addicts has been underway for the past one month and so far, dozens of addicts have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

According to him, there is a series of addiction treatments under the supervision of health workers in three places; hospital, prison and homes.

sa