Global trends and Challenges of the Drug Phenomenon in Central Asia

Background: Drug problem has been of particular concern in Central Asia (CA) because of its strategic location on the international drug trafficking route. In recent years, CA has experienced the emergence and proliferation of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and new consumption patterns. The evolution of the drug phenomenon in the aftermath of the COVID 19 called for a study to analyse the trends and challenges in the region. Within the framework of the EU-funded Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP), the Episteme Social has conducted a study to assess the current state of drug policy in each CA country; identify challenges and opportunities and offer recommendations for improving drug policies in each country and in the region as a whole. 
Methods: The Study on Global trends and Challenges of the Drug Phenomenon in Central Asia has been carried out through a rigorous methodology including:
·     Regular meetings. 
·     Participation in Dialogues in the five CA countries. 
·     Comprehensive review of documentation and literature related to the drug phenomenon in CA. 
·     Conducting interviews to obtain detailed information on the drug field in CA. 
·     Administration of needs assessment questionnaires to understand drug-related challenges in CA countries. 
·     Analysis of the data collected to identify challenges and positive aspects of drug policies. 
·     Drawing conclusions and preliminary reflections. 
Results: The implications and challenges raised throughout the study conducted present the following results. 
·     Changing consumption patterns in CA countries. 
·     Sustainable responses to the consequences of the drug phenomenon. 
·     Methodologies to identify needs and priorities. 
·     Challenges and efforts in prevention. 
·     Hepatitis as a problem in the region. 
·     Positive discrimination in access to health services by people who use drugs. 
·     Health and mental health concerns. 
·     Information systems and confidentiality. 
Conclusions: Following a comprehensive analysis, it is possible to draw key conclusions that provide a picture of the drug situation in CA and emerge as a basis for reflection of future interventions.
·     Afghanistan's drug production model is undergoing a transition from a traditional opium market to an emerging amphetamine market. 
·     The drug market in CA is undergoing a transformation with the emergence of synthetic drugs and NPS. 
·     CA is seeing the emergence of a new pattern of recreational drug use occurring in parallel to the traditional escapist consumption pattern. 
·     There remain a number of hidden populations that do not reach treatment centres due to the strong social stigma attached to drug use. 
·     Non-medical use of medicines has increased significantly in CA, and actions have so far failed to effectively reverse this situation. 
·     The lack of effective harm reduction strategies is driving a significant increase in the spread of HIV and hepatitis C across the region.