Hisham Sabah, a recovered addict from Diyala, stands near a bridge in Baqubah after sharing his story about overcoming drug addiction and rebuilding his life.
Former addict rebuilds life after treatment at Diyala rehab center
BAQUBAH — For years, Hisham Sabah’s life revolved around crystal meth—until addiction nearly destroyed everything he had. Now in recovery, he says Diyala’s government-run rehabilitation center saved his life.
“It started with a woman who lived nearby,” Sabah told 964media. “I had a taxi, and she’d often ride in it. She used drugs inside the car, but I didn’t know. She told me it was a ‘body booster’ and asked if I wanted to try. I said yes — why not? After one or two tries, I became addicted.”
The addiction quickly consumed his life. “I stopped sleeping and eating. I felt a strange energy and worked only to afford more drugs,” he said. “When she was arrested for selling crystal meth, I realized the danger I was in. I began losing my family, friends, even my wife and children.”
Desperate, he sought help at Diyala’s rehabilitation center. “I thank God I survived,” he said. “There were days I cried, begging to be free from this poison. When I reunited with my wife and children, it was the happiest moment of my life.”
During treatment, Sabah joined workshops in carpentry, sewing, and metalwork. “We made birdcages and fountains,” he said. “There’s no criminal charge for those entering rehab. The staff treat you with respect. I consider the rehab a gift from God.”
One tragedy solidified his decision to recover. “My neighbor, a police officer and also an addict, climbed a tower on duty and shot himself in the head,” he said. “He didn’t even know his own name anymore.”
Nationwide, Iraq’s General Directorate of Narcotics Affairs reported seizing 250 kilograms of drugs and arresting 59 international dealers in September. Between January and August 2024, Iraqi courts issued 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences in narcotics cases.
Haidar Aboud, media director at the Diyala Narcotics Directorate, said: “Rehabilitation centers have been established in all Iraqi governorates under Law No. 50 of 2017, Article 40.”
“These centers provide full therapeutic programs that include psychological, medical, and physical rehabilitation, as well as group counseling and detoxification.”
He said vocational training is key to recovery. “Patients can learn skills such as carpentry, barbering, computer work, metalworking, and camera installation,” he said. “The goal is to help them find stable jobs after recovery and reintegrate into society.”
Sabah said he now feels renewed and grateful. “I learned valuable lessons from this experience,” he said. “To anyone still struggling, go to rehab before it’s too late — life is worth another chance.”
