KABUL (SW) – A recent series of interviews conducted by Salam Watandar with 18 Afghan youths struggling with narcotic drug addiction reveals alarming findings about their easy access to these substances. This access keeps them trapped in a cycle of addiction.
Wais*, a resident of Kabul, shares that he can easily obtain narcotic drugs. “These tablets are sold illegally and openly in the markets; the sellers don’t ask any questions and provide these drugs without a prescription.”
Among the interviewees in this report, 12 admitted to using primarily pregabalin and tramadol, while 6 others also reported using a combination of these and narcotic “Tablet K”.
These youths cited various reasons for their addiction, including poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, family problems, and toxic friendships.
Hamid*, a Kabul resident, explained that familial pressures and mental health struggles have pushed him towards narcotic use. “I have been using tramadol, zeegap and other substances by injection, with prices ranging from 20 to 1,500 afghanis to forget my sorrow,” said Hamid.
Kabir*, another resident of Kabul, who has been using narcotic drugs for two years, says that he turned to these substances to escape mental distress. He advises other young people, “My message to the youths is to avoid narcotics, as they bring nothing but harm. I started using these drugs due to unemployment, the hardships of exile, and being away from home.”
Additionally, some interviewees stated that associating with friends who are also addicted has led them down the same path.
Ahmad*, a resident of Kapisa, attributed his addiction to his friends’ influence: “My friend introduced me to using zeegap, and I’ve tried it 4-5 times. It brings nothing but harm. May God prevent anyone from engaging in such acts, as they are very damaging and destroy the heart.”
Qadir*, another resident of Kapisa, admits, “We gathered for relaxation and fun with friends, but now I’m addicted and feel compelled to use it. I’ve been using zeegap tablets for over a year.”
Beyond various factors, poverty and lack of awareness push many young people in Afghanistan toward narcotics.
Akbar*, who uses “Tablet K,” explains that he turned to these drugs due to unemployment. “I’ve used many narcotics; when you take Tablet K, you feel like you’re in a different world and don’t realize how it alleviates pain and suffering.”
Ramin* adds, “I use Tablet K due to unemployment; I can find the money somehow. It keeps me calm for 24 hours.”
The prolonged use of narcotics not only leads to dependency and addiction but also causes physical and psychological issues. Many users report that these substances have resulted in anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, and other mental health problems.
Elham*, a young man who has experienced memory loss due to narcotic use, shares, “I thought there was an earthquake; at that moment, I didn’t realize it was the effect of pregabalin. I completely lost my memory; later, I understood how much damage these drugs inflict on the body and brain. Using them distances you from your thoughts, life, and everything else.”
Meanwhile, several doctors emphasize that excessive use of narcotic drugs disrupts the nervous system and causes physical weakness among youths, paving the way for the use of other types of narcotics.
Mohammad Sadeq Karwal, a specialist in internal medicine, states, “In the long term, it leads to numerous side effects, damaging both the nervous and mental systems. Additionally, it disrupts the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.”
Ahmad Rashed Sediqi, a university professor and social issues expert, highlights that individual, social, and familial factors play significant roles in leading young people to use narcotic drugs.
“In individual factors, the choice of friends is crucial, as friends can greatly influence behavior. Also, without social control, youths are more likely to deviate and can end up taking wrong paths,” he said.
Officials from the de-facto Ministry of Interior Affairs of the Islamic Emirate recently announced that in the past year, they destroyed 790 factories involved in the production and processing of narcotics, alcoholic beverages, and narcotic tablets, and arrested 1,564 individuals in connection with these activities.
