Arif: From addiction to a new lease of life

ZARANJ (Pajhwok): Mohammad Arif, a young man from Nimroz province, reflects on the harrowing five years he spent battling drug addiction and living bang in the middle of garbage.

However, six months after his rehabilitation, Arif has regained his confidence and is supporting his family by selling maize.

The 35-year-old resident of Zaranj recounted his journey, telling Pajhwok Afghan News, “I had gone to Iran five years ago, where I became addicted to drugs.”

He explained, “I worked in government offices for 10 years but lost my job. After struggling to find work, I moved to Iran, where I sent money back home. Unfortunately, a friend gave me drugs, and I returned home as an addict.”

Arif described the painful years he spent roaming the streets of Nimroz. “I lived in garbage and ruins, enduring a life suffering.”

About a year ago, he was transferred by security forces to a drug rehabilitation clinic in Zaranj, where he received treatment. “Thank God, I recovered.

“After my treatment, I emerged from that dark place and reunited with my family. Now I sell corn and lead a happy life; I have once again become strong and energetic,” he said.

For the past three months, Arif has been selling maize in a bustling area of Zaranj. “People are surprised to see me healthy and working, especially those knowing that just six months ago I was living in ruins. Today, I’m back on my feet, earning up to 500 afghanis a day.”

Zarmina, Arif’s wife, expressed her gratitude to the government for supporting her husband’s recovery.

“Thank God, my spouse is healthy again. I used to sew clothes, relying on charitable organisations for assistance. We struggled to make ends meet, but now my husband earns enough to support our family.”

Their 12-year-old son Nasir, who is in sixth grade, is thrilled to have his father back. “My mother often struggled buying me pens, notebooks and bags. I sometimes got punished by my teacher for not having stationery. Now my father is well and can provide everything for us. I’m very happy.”

Arif is not the only one who has overcome addiction. Ghulam Nabi, another 35-year-old Zaranj resident who recently completed a rehabilitation programme, had been addicted to drugs for a decade. He had been away from his family for the last three years.

“While living in isolation, I lost all contact with my wife and children. My family made multiple attempts to treat me, but the programme lasted only 45 days. After being discharged, I would relapse. However, this time around, I faced significant hardships and made a firm decision to quit drugs.”

After six months of rehabilitation, he has now reunited with his family, Ghulam Nabi said, “I’m planning to start a business soon and I will never go back to drugs again.”

Maulvi Agha Jan Mazhari, head of the government-run drug rehabilitation centre in the province, said the facility was established a year ago and had the capacity to treat over 1,000 addicts at a time.

Since its inception, 3,150 individuals have received treatment, and currently, 950 drug addicts are undergoing rehabilitation here.

Abdul Wasi Raihan, director of the counter-narcotics department, said the number of addicts in Zaranj had decreased due to serious efforts for their treatment and preventing drug trafficking.

“Our counter-narcotics forces arrest drug dealers daily and transfer them to prison,” he said, noting the initiatives had fostered order and reduced security incidents.

sa/mud