Ten years ago, Sabir (a pseudonym), a 45-year-old married man from Kandahar province, faced prolonged unemployment, which led him to consider migrating to Iran in search of work. Acting on advice from a friend in Pakistan, he first travelled to Quetta with the intention of continuing onward to Iran.

While in Quetta, he joined a group of men seeking to cross the border into Iran irregularly. They negotiated with a smuggler who agreed to facilitate their passage for AFN 25,000 per person (approximately US$380), although without any guarantee of safe entry. However, before reaching their destination, the group was apprehended by Iranian border authorities and subsequently deported to Afghanistan.

Upon returning to Kandahar, Sabir, then 35 years old, began using drugs to cope with the stress and unemployment.

What began with the use of hashish with peers eventually progressed to methamphetamine and heroin.

Over time, his dependency grew, and drug use became a persistent part of his life. In July 2024, Sabir was referred to the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA)-supported Drop-In Center (DIC).

He was first introduced to the DIC’s laboratory services, where he was tested for hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis, all of which returned negative results. Following the medical screening, a psychosocial counsellor provided information on the health, social and economic impacts of drug use, along with motivational counselling to support cessation.

Sabir began reducing his drug intake gradually, following guidance from the counsellor, and was later referred to a Drug Treatment Center (DTC) for further support. After 10 years of dependency, Sabir has begun to lead a drug-free life and has expressed a firm commitment to maintaining his recovery.