Afghanistan’s largest rehab center treats over 30,000 as drug users rejoin society
Thousands treated at large rehabilitation facility as officials report mass reintegration of former drug users into society
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — More than 30,000 people struggling with drug addiction have received treatment and rejoined society in western Afghanistan, local authorities said, highlighting ongoing recovery efforts in the region.
According to ToloNews, the figures were shared by officials in Herat, where a large rehabilitation center has become the main hub for treating addiction. The 4,000-bed facility has treated thousands over the past three years, with nearly 4,000 people currently undergoing recovery.
Hayatullah Rouhani, Director of Counter-Narcotics for the Herat Police Command, said treatment used to be scattered across multiple locations. “For the past two years, all treatment has been provided inside this central camp,” he said.
Many of those admitted say they struggled with addiction for years. Some were detained by police after returning from Iran, where they developed dependency on narcotics. Once back in Afghanistan, they were referred to the center for treatment.
“In this difficult economic situation and unemployment, whatever little I earned went toward buying drugs,” said Nisar Ahmad, a patient under treatment. “It wasn’t just unhelpful, it caused serious harm.”
Another patient, Qudratullah, said: “I’m trying not to use drugs anymore. I urge other youths to avoid narcotics so their future won’t be destroyed.”
Medical staff say hundreds of patients are treated every month, many of whom face mental health challenges alongside physical dependency. Dr. Homayoun Mohammadi, a psychiatrist at the facility, said patients are evaluated individually before beginning care. “Addiction often leads to depression and anxiety. Each case is handled according to need,” he explained.
Officials say more than 700 new patients arrive each month, and the number continues to grow. Most are treated with basic medical support, counseling, and family reintegration efforts.
According to local authorities, those who complete treatment are allowed to reunite with their families and return to daily life. The recovery center remains one of the largest in the country, reflecting both the scale of return migration and the challenges many Afghans face after years abroad.
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