Some rehabilitated drug addicts relapse in Farah

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): A number of people have resumed using drugs after their rehabilitation in western Farah province, an official said on Wednesday, adding such individuals would be rounded up and treated again.

Maulvi Abdul Hai Sabawoon, Farah information and culture director, told Pajhwok Afghan News that thousands of drug addicts were rounded up from the city after the Islamic Emirate’s takeover  and were treated, but unfortunately some of them relapsed.

However, he said the addicts would be collected from the city and sent to treatment centers.

“We plan to collect drug addicts from the city because they commit small thefts, but this time after their treatment, they would be introduced to the labor and social affairs department and other institutions to learn skills for their future,” he added.

He said if job opportunities were provided to addicts after their treatment, they would not return to substance abuse.

On the other hand, Farah city residents also urge the government to collect drug addicts from the city and send them to rehabilitation centers

Abdul Bari, a resident of Kharmaliq area of the city, said the government should provide work opportunities to addicts after their treatment.

He said addicts were not only harming themselves but they were a burden on their families and society and could attract other youth towards addiction.

He added: “People start using drugs due to unemployment, if jobs are created, the youth can be saved from becoming addicts.”

Noor Ahmad Ahmadi, another resident of Farah city, also complained against the presence of addicts in the city and urged the government to round them up and treat them.

He said: “Drug addicts can be seen in every street of the city and most of them commit small thefts, the government should collect these people because their number is increasing day by day.”

Some drug addicts also asked the government to treat them and provide them work opportunities.

Juma Gul, a addict of Nobahar village, said he has been addicted to drugs since last 25 years.

“I was taken to a treatment center by Islamic Emirate forces. I got treatment, but resumed using drugs after failing to find a job,” he added.

He claimed if the government provided him a job, he would quit drugs.

The Islamic Emirate after coming to power stared collecting and treating drug addicts across the country.

The addicts are handed over to their families after treatment in special health centers.

kk/ma