Photo: A doctor talks to Mohammad during his rehabilitation at a drug treatment center in Khost Province. © WHO

The STFA-supported Khost Drug Treatment Centre serves as a lifeline for people struggling with substance use disorders. Among those who have benefited is 38-year-old Mohammad Mudir. His journey reflects both the challenges of substance use and the possibility of full recovery.

Originally from Musakhel District in Khost Province, Mohammad once earned a stable income as a skilled tailor. Influenced by his environment and companions, however, he began using drugs. Gradually, he lost control of his work and his ability to support his family.

“I could feel my life slipping away,” he said. “I knew I was becoming a burden, but I didn’t know how to escape.”

His path to recovery began when the centre’s outreach team visited his community during a drug-awareness campaign. Their messages gave him the courage to seek help, and he agreed to be admitted. During his 45-day treatment, Mohammad participated in individual counselling, group sessions, and daily morning check-ins.

“Those sessions opened my eyes,” he recalled. “Every day, I felt a small change inside me. Alhamdulillah, that change kept growing. Walking out of the centre, I felt lighter. It was the first time in years that I truly believed I could start again.”

After his treatment, Mohammad was registered in a vocational training programme. He received support to establish a small fabric-selling business, bridging the gap between his recovery and his economic independence. Today, he runs his shop and is once again able to provide for his family.

“Every day I thank Allah,” he said. “Recovery gave me my life back, and I do not want to waste a single moment of it.”