Afghanistan has a serious problem with crystal meth, production as wel a consumption. Heroine and opium addiction are rampant as well, but meth has taken over in recent years. Hundreds of addicts are bundled up in small groups in the center of Kabul; under the Pul-e-Sukhta bridge and on the banks of the Paghman river. They smoke crystal meth and opium and heroin. Many are homeless. Sometimes they smoke under blankets and scarves to hide the consumption. At times, there are arrested by the police and brought to the Ibn Sinar addiction clinic for forced treatment.Addicts are shaven bald for hygienic treatment. After 45 days, many are released, often to relapse again. Staff has not been paid for six months and mistreatment of patients happens frequently.
