Finding New Purpose: Samiullah’s Journey from Addiction to Healing

Samiullah, 25-year-old from Paktia, lives with his family of 13 people - his parents, four brothers, four sisters, and three nephews. After graduating from nursing institute three years ago, Samiullah struggled to find a job despite his education. 

Two years ago, Samiullah was feeling hopeless about being unemployed, and he started spending time with his friends who were using drugs. At the beginning, he just joined them for fun and timepass. Gradually, his friends encouraged him to try pregabalin, a medication that gave him feelings of happiness and joy. He started use of some other drugs as well, hiding those from his family. When his family eventually came to know, they tried many times to help him to quit using drugs, but he could not succeed.

One day, outreach workers from Paktia UNODC supported Drug Treatment Centre (DTC) which is funded by Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA), visited Samiullah's village. They held a motivational session with him and provided counseling. The team explained the services available at the 30-bed hospital and encouraged him to get help. Samiullah decided to quit drug use and start a new life. He was admitted to Paktia DTC in May 2024, for a 45-days treatment programme. 

Samiullah Said, "When I first arrived at the centre, everything was looking strange," Samiullah recalls. "I didn't know anyone and wasn't sure about staying in DTC." 

"After about 20 days in the DTC, I started to understand that the treatment was really helping me," says Samiullah. "The counselors taught me why pregabalin was harmful and how to live without it. The doctors carefully managed my medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms. We had group sessions where I met others going through similar struggles, which made me feel less alone." 

Samiullah completed his treatment in July 2024 and regained the purpose of his life. He found a job at a private company for two months. Then, he was able to use his nursing education to secure a position at a private hospital in Gardiz city. 

"Now I have been working as a nurse for four months," Samiullah proudly shares. "I earn enough money to help my family, and we are much happier together. I'm now able to benefit from my skills and education to help others, just as the staff at Paktia DTC helped me.”

Samiullah has an important message for others struggling with drug use: "Please stop using drugs and try to get treatment. After treatment, you can start a new life. You'll look back at your past troubles and feel proud of how far you've come." 

He also advises parents: "Please guide your children in the right direction and help them to find a meaningful purpose in their lives. Good guidance can prevent the pain of drug use." 

"I am very grateful to the Paktia DTC staff who treated me and brought me back to life. Without their care and the complete treatment programme, I might still have been in darkness with drug use instead of working as a nurse and supporting my family and community, Samiullah Said."