Drug use, sales soar in Iraq's Basra amid nationwide spike

BASRA, Iraq (AP) — The rows of self-harm scars that course upward on the teenager's forearms from her wrists nearly to her elbows are reminders of dark times.

At age seven, the now 19-year-old was diagnosed with sickle-cell anemia, a hereditary disease that comes with painful symptoms, including inflammation of the hands and feet and frequent infections. She became a regular visitor to a hospital where she was given Tramadol, an opioid medication that brought some relief.

Eventually, though, she began obtaining the medication even when there was no pain.

"When I reached 15, I became addicted to it and wanted to take it no matter how," she said, her face pale and lips bluish.