Sports club in Afghanistan helps addicts rebuilds their lives
The club is offering 500 addicts a path to regain health and hope through physical activity
HERAT, Afghanistan (MNTV) — A special drug rehabilitation hospital in Afghanistan’s Herat city has launched a sports club as part of its treatment program, helping nearly 500 recovering addicts rebuild their health and confidence each day.
The initiative is designed to accelerate rehabilitation and provide those battling addiction with an alternative focus for recovery.
The sports program has been running for nearly six months, with officials tailoring activities to patients’ interests to ensure meaningful engagement.
Established two years ago, the Herat rehabilitation hospital treats around 4,000 addicts per phase.
Mohammad Asif, a 26-year-old patient at the facility, was addicted to drugs for three years before turning to sports as a means of healing.
“I want to recover from this illness as soon as possible with the help of sports and improve my health. Physical activity plays a crucial role in well-being, especially for those of us who have struggled with addiction,” he told local media.
For many at the center, engaging in sports has become a powerful motivator in their recovery.
Maruf, also undergoing treatment, expressed hope for the future: “When we leave this place, we will walk out as athletes, not addicts. We will return to our families and relatives with pride.”
Behrooz Amani, head of sports at the rehabilitation center, said that they assess patients’ preferences to guide them toward the right sport.
According to the province’s Counter-Narcotics Department, more than 20,000 individuals have completed treatment and been reunited with their families.
Kamaluddin, the hospital director, highlighted the initiative’s impact, stating that they found these individuals weak on the streets.
As Afghanistan continues to struggle with widespread drug addiction, initiatives like the sports club are offering new hope, helping recovering addicts reclaim their physical and mental well-being while reintegrating into society.
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