Addiction is ruining lives. Children are not only born dependent on drugs, they are then fed a continuous supply of opium through their mothers’ breast milk.
Opium production in Afghanistan has been on the rise since the war started in 2001. War-torn for decades, the people of Afghanistan have been driven into poverty, where opium is more readily available and cheaper than food. Not knowing its harmful effects, many use it as pain relief, only to become addicted and without support.
Raz Mohammed, once a body builder, used this addictive drug to help him work harder and support his family. Soon the drug stopped working. Heroin was the next option. His body was wasted away, he can no longer afford rent or education for his children.
“I don’t want to be addicted, but I got into this because of the bad economical situation here. I cannot do anything without regretting and crying. My children have had to leave education because of me.”
Islamic Relief’s drug rehabilitation programme in Mazar-e-Sharif has been helping those in need overcome their addiction for four years. Alhamdulillah, Raz is currently receiving help at our centre.
And for those women who we have helped fight the addiction; we designed the Women’s Livelihood Programme, where they are provided with training on drug awareness, hygiene and carpet weaving. They are then awarded safe equipment to help them start their own weaving businesses.