26 March 2026
With new evidence, Kazakhstan is better equipped than ever to strengthen public health responses.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has released a new report, High-Risk Drug Use in Kazakhstan, marking the first national effort to estimate the scale and characteristics of high-risk drug use in Kazakhstan. The report was developed in collaboration with the Kazakh Scientific Centre for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases and the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Mental Health, with special recognition to site-level coordinators and all individuals who participated in the survey. This pioneering study sheds new light on fast‑changing drug markets and provides an essential evidence base to support more effective, health‑centred responses nationwide.
The report estimates that around 112,400 people aged 15–64 are engaged in high-risk drug use (95% confidence interval: 58,000–170,300), or roughly 9 per 1,000 population. While men account for most users, women face greater health and social vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for tailored services and targeted drug use disorder treatment and care efforts.
Despite widespread combined use, an estimated 74,000 people are high-risk users of synthetic stimulants, compared to 54,400 using opiates. Opiate use mainly involves opium poppy seeds and heroin, while synthetic stimulants include substances such as mephedrone and methamphetamine. The rise of synthetic stimulants marks a major shift, mirroring regional and global trends in drug consumption.
The sample reflects a relatively old population, with a median age of 36 years. The duration of use also differs, with median opiate use standing at 17 years, compared to 5 years for synthetic stimulants. While synthetic drugs are a more recent development, they are now firmly established alongside opiates. The findings confirm this broader transformation in the market, with synthetic stimulants surpassing opiates in prevalence. At the same time, polydrug use remains common, often involving combinations of synthetic substances, opiates, and pharmaceuticals.
Injecting drug use is widespread, with over 60 per cent of respondents reporting injection, often daily or near daily. These practices, often occurring in social settings and involving shared equipment, increase health and social risks for individuals in the community. About one-third reported at least one overdose, and many had witnessed overdose deaths, while high-risk drug use is also linked to Hepatitis C, HIV and Tuberculosis, as well as significant mental health distress. These indicators highlight the urgent need to scale up services for people who use drugs, including treatment for drug use disorders, mental health care, and community‑based support interventions.
At the same time, the findings point to important opportunities to further strengthen access to treatment and support services. The fact that many people have not yet engaged with care for drug use disorders indicates a need to expand outreach, improve early‑identification efforts, and further reduce stigma. Building on existing national initiatives, these insights can help guide the scale‑up of effective, voluntary treatment options and ensure that services are increasingly accessible, responsive, and aligned with the needs of communities across the country.
The findings of the report add to the national evidence base and are beneficial to improve understanding of drug use challenges in Kazakhstan. By identifying emerging patterns, key risk factors, and priority areas for action, the data can guide more precise planning and support targeted responses to protect public health, community safety and address drug-related harms.
UNODC stands ready to continue supporting Kazakhstan in building resilient, health‑focused, and effective drug responses that leave no one behind.
Read the full report here.
