At Baghdad addiction treatment centre, young Iraqis seek recovery from meth and pills

BAGHDAD — At just 17, Mustafa has been battling drug addiction for over a year. Now lying beside 19-year-old Ali at Al-Ataa Hospital in Sadr City, both say they chose to seek help voluntarily — joining thousands of Iraqis in recovery at one of the country’s largest addiction treatment centers.

“Al-Ataa Hospital is part of the Rusafa Health Department in Sadr City and operates entirely free of charge,” said Dr. Ali Kareem, a resident physician at the facility. “We’ve treated 38,000 cases of drug addiction over the past three years.”

According to government data, 3,006 people were arrested on drug-related charges in the first quarter of 2025, with authorities seizing over two tons of narcotics nationwide.

Kareem said the hospital accepts patients from across Iraq. “We handle all types of addiction. The first step is urine analysis to identify the substance, followed by a full medical history and a treatment plan tailored to the case,” he said.

Some patients are admitted for extended care, while others visit weekly. “Even after discharge, patients continue follow-up appointments,” Kareem said. “We alternate weekly between Baghdad residents and patients from other governorates.”

Ali, born in 2006, said he had been using crystal meth for two years. “I used to stop for a few days and then relapse,” he said. “I ignored my family’s advice to seek treatment.”

He began his treatment at Al-Ataa Hospital 11 days ago. “I came willingly. I feel better now, and I think the drug is completely out of my body. Life is starting to feel good again,” he said. “I advise everyone to get help. I used to think I couldn’t recover, but now I live a better life after quitting.”

Mustafa shared a similar story. “I’m 17 years old. I used pills for about a year and a half, and became addicted to crystal meth four months ago,” he said. “I came here because my family was suffering. The staff has treated us very well. I feel better now and I advise every addict to quit and get help.”

Abu Mustafa al-Saadi, head of hospital security, said maintaining safety is a top priority. “We haven’t had any escapes or rebellions. Everyone here came voluntarily, seeking recovery,” he said.

He added that all items brought in by families — including food — are searched using police dogs. “I believe our security procedures are the best in Iraq,” he said.

Al-Ataa does not admit women for overnight care, evn though Saadi says female patients make up the majority of weekly visitors. “Women can’t stay overnight, but they receive treatment through regular visits, which can continue for up to six months,” he said. “More women than men are seeking recovery.”