25 July 2023, Islamabad - Abdul Wase – “What initially seemed harmless gradually escalated into using party drugs for pleasure. At first, it was all about having fun, but as time passed, I found myself trapped in the grip of addiction”.

I had the privilege of witnessing Abdul Wase's remarkable journey from the depths of addiction to the path of recovery. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, he defied the clutches of substance abuse and embraced a life of hope and purpose. At the age of 23, his encounter with drugs began during his school days when he first experimented with cigarettes.

“The consequences were evident as I returned home with a foul smell on my breath, facing disapproval from my family” he said. 

Abdul Wase's battle with addiction began during his school days, where cigarettes were the gateway to a world of darkness. The allure of freedom in college further propelled him towards party drugs, leading him down a treacherous path of self-destruction. 

“Desperate to feed my addiction, I resorted to unthinkable actions, including thefts that landed me in legal trouble. My parents, who once trusted me, watched helplessly as I spiraled further.”

Abdul Wase sought treatment multiple times, hoping each time would bring an end to his addiction. However, he soon discovered that the road to recovery was far from straightforward. Upon leaving rehab, he confronted persistent cravings and sought substitutes like alcohol and marijuana, further deteriorating his mental health.

His family, unwavering in their support, extended one final chance at recovery, with determination and the guidance of dedicated trainers trained by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Funded by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Office (INL) of the US Embassy in Pakistan, UNODC is building the capacity of drug treatment and prevention professionals in Pakistan on the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) and Universal Prevention Curriculum, training over 100 drug treatment professionals from civil society and health, education, and law enforcement organizations.

the curriculums relate to the UNODC-World Health Organization “International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders”, a guide which identifies major components and features of effective systems for the treatment of drug use disorders. They describe treatment modalities and interventions to match the needs of people at different stages and severities of drug use disorders.

Wase embarked on a transformative journey. Step by step, he rediscovered himself, addressing not only the physical addiction but also the underlying emotional and psychological wounds. Through treatment and therapy, he learned to accept his past, forgive himself, and rebuild his shattered life.

“Today, I am proud to share that I have been in recovery for 8-9 months. I am immensely grateful to the individuals who have played a vital role in my journey of transformation. To all those battling addiction, I want you to know that the path to recovery may be challenging, requiring effort and endurance”.

“Remember, it is not you who defines addiction; rather, addiction has manipulated you. You are capable of change, growth, and breaking free from its grip”, he said with confidence.

Abdul Wase's journey reminds us that, with determination, support, and self-discovery, it is possible to overcome the darkest of addictions and embrace a future filled with purpose and fulfillment.