Shareef (a pseudonym), a 40-year-old man from Gilan district in Ghazni province, faced significant economic hardship from a young age. 

At 20, he migrated to Pakistan in search of better opportunities. Initially living in difficult conditions with friends in Quetta, he eventually found employment at a plastic manufacturing company.

Over time, work-related stress and social pressures began to affect his mental health. It was during this period that he was introduced to drugs by his peers, marking the start of a prolonged struggle with addiction.

For over a decade, Shareef lived with the consequences of substance use, spending his earnings on drugs, experiencing physical and psychological deterioration, and becoming increasingly isolated.

In an effort to recover, he returned to Ghazni, hoping that proximity to his family would support positive change. However, his condition worsened, leading to estrangement from his family and life on the streets.

Despite these setbacks, Shareef maintained hope and a belief that with the right support, he could overcome his addiction. His turning point came when an outreach worker from a Drug Treatment Center (DTC) supported through the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA) Joint Project, engaged him at a drug-use hotspot and informed him about treatment services available in Ghazni.

Motivated by this encounter, Shareef agreed to begin the recovery process. Following a series of motivational sessions, he was admitted to the DTC for a 45-day residential programme. His family was also engaged in the process, providing emotional support throughout his rehabilitation.

Upon completing the treatment, Shareef reported significant improvements in his health and well-being.

Reunited with his family, he returned to his village and began working on his cousin’s farmland, marking a new chapter in his life.

Today, Shareef lives a healthier and more hopeful life. He expressed sincere appreciation for the support he received and acknowledged the role of outreach workers, counsellors, and treatment staff in his recovery.

His story reflects the importance of timely intervention, access to quality services, and community and family support in promoting sustainable recovery and reintegration.