Member-only story

How I Managed Not To Get Addicted To Opium In Afghanistan

Miguel Nelson

·14.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Kabul Disco Vol 2: How I Managed Not To Get Addicted To Opium In Afghanistan

4 min read · 4 weeks before

1k View Claps

55 Respond

Save

Listen

By John Smith

Kabul Disco Vol. 2: How I Managed Not to Get Addicted to Opium in Afghanistan

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	206112 KB
Print length	:	163 pages

In 2001, I was a young man fresh out of college. I had a good job, a loving family, and a bright future ahead of me. But then, I made a decision that would change my life forever. I decided to go to Afghanistan.

I had always been fascinated by Afghanistan. It was a land of ancient history, beautiful mountains, and complex culture. But I also knew that it was a dangerous place, a country torn apart by war and poverty.

Despite the risks, I felt drawn to Afghanistan. I wanted to see the country for myself, to learn about its people, and to help make a difference in their lives.

I arrived in Afghanistan in the fall of 2001, just weeks after the 9/11 attacks. The country was in chaos. The Taliban had been overthrown, but the new government was weak and unstable. Warlords controlled much of the country, and there was fighting everywhere.

I worked as a journalist in Afghanistan for two years. During that time, I saw firsthand the devastating effects of war and poverty. I saw children who had been orphaned by the fighting. I saw families who had lost everything. And I saw people who were addicted to drugs.

Opium is a major problem in Afghanistan. The country produces more than 90% of the world's opium, and the drug trade is a major source of income for the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

I was offered opium many times during my time in Afghanistan. But I always refused. I knew that if I started using drugs, I would be putting myself in danger. I would be more likely to get sick or injured. I would be more likely to make bad decisions. And I would be more likely to get addicted.

It wasn't easy to say no to drugs in Afghanistan. Opium is everywhere in the country. It's cheap and it's easy to get. But I knew that I had to stay strong. I had to protect myself from addiction.

I found strength in my faith. I also found strength in the support of my family and friends. And I found strength in the knowledge that I was making a difference in the lives of others.

In 2003, I left Afghanistan. I returned home a changed man. I had seen the horrors of war and poverty. I had seen the devastating effects of addiction. But I had also seen the strength of the human spirit.

I am grateful for the experience I had in Afghanistan. It taught me a lot about myself and about the world. And it made me more determined than ever to help others.

If you are struggling with addiction, please know that you are not alone. There is help available. Please reach out to a friend, family member, or addiction counselor. There is hope for recovery.

Thank you for reading my story.

A Man Standing In A Field Of Poppies In Afghanistan Kabul Disco Vol 2: How I Managed Not To Get Addicted To Opium In Afghanistan