Afghanistan’s drug epidemic grows amid Taliban crackdown

A young man in a green gown proudly shows off tattoos on his neck and hand, symbols of his past life in prison. He’s now at the Jangalak drug treatment center in Kabul, where five recovering addicts are in therapy. They are a mix of ages, with addiction spanning from three to 17 years. Their drug use began with hashish and led to heroin, cocaine, and meth.

In Kabul, addicts often come from places like Sarai Shamoli Hill, where they live among used syringes and waste. The Taliban’s anti-drug campaign has cleared the streets, but addiction remains a huge issue. The Jangalak center helps addicts through detox and rehabilitation, using both psychological and religious support.

Awareness programs and moral guidance from mullahs are part of the treatment approach, but challenges remain. The hospital struggles with funding and medical supplies, and drug smuggling even happens within its walls. Despite this, the doctors remain hopeful, and flowers bloom in the yard, a symbol of resilience in the face of limited resources.