In Kandahar province, vocational training is being provided to 600 individuals recovering from drug addiction.
Officials at the rehabilitation center say these training programs are being implemented under the directive of the leader of the Islamic Emirate, with the aim of creating job opportunities for those who have undergone treatment.
Abdul Shakoor Shakeeb, head of the rehabilitation center in Kandahar, said: “This center has been commissioned by the Amir al-Mu’minin, and food and hygiene supplies are provided for the addicts here.”
Before falling into addiction, many of these individuals played a vital role in supporting their families. However, bad company led them into the dark world of addiction, separating them from their loved ones.
Atiqullah, 22, who used to work as a tailor with his brother before becoming addicted, is now back behind the sewing machine alongside other recovering addicts, hoping to rebuild a brighter future.
He said: “Because of addiction, we were separated from our parents. This is the result of having bad friends. A good friend brings benefit; a bad one brings harm.”
Rahimullah, 32, is also receiving vocational training in motorcycle repair with a group of other recovering addicts. He claims that drug mafias distribute narcotics freely at first to unemployed youth in order to expand their influence.
He added: “At the beginning, the mafia gives the drugs away for free, and once we become addicted, they start selling it to us.”
Doctors say that vocational training has a positive psychological impact on patients, helping to reduce mental distress and feelings of isolation.
Dr. Habib ur-Rahman said: “Drugs severely affect the mental and physical health of individuals and, over time, damage all parts of the body.”
According to the Kandahar rehabilitation center, in addition to treating at least 2,000 addicts annually, vocational training and work tools are also provided to help them reintegrate into society.