Nearly 400 Drug Addicts Treated at Kapisa Hospital Over Past 11 Months

KAPISA, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- Nearly 400 drug addicts have been treated at the Kapisa addicts' hospital over the past 11 months, according to Dr. Abdullah Nasrat, head of the facility.

Nasrat told a Bakhtar News reporter that the hospital has 50 beds, with patients receiving treatment and medical care for 45 to 90 days. In the 11-month period, 466 addicts were referred to the hospital. Of those, 381 completed their treatment, recovered and returned to their families, he said.

Fifty patients remain under treatment, while 35 others abandoned the program, Nasrat added. He noted a 2% increase in referrals this year compared to last year.

Lack of awareness about drug harms, unemployment, easy access to narcotics, hard labor and family problems are major factors driving addiction in the province, according to Nasrat.

To reduce addiction levels, he called for expanded awareness campaigns and greater cooperation among relevant institutions.