In Uzbekistan, there is a noticeable decrease in the age range of individuals suffering from drug addiction. This was reported by Upl.uz.
In particular, "pharmaceutical addiction" caused by drug substances is becoming increasingly widespread. According to official data from mid-2025, approximately 5,000 citizens are registered in specialized medical institutions in the country.
Among those registered, it has been noted that there is even a ten-year-old child. This was announced by Zarifjon Ashurov, the chief narcologist of the Ministry of Health and the director of the Republican Scientific-Practical Center for Mental Health.
According to him, in recent years, the dependence on synthetic drugs and pharmaceuticals has significantly increased. These substances are sometimes available for free or conditional sale.
Ashurov emphasized that drug addiction among youth is often the result of unresolved psychological problems. He also stated that effective combat against addiction requires not only detoxification of the body but also comprehensive psychotherapeutic support and social adaptation.
The chief narcologist pointed out that today, addiction is often closely related to mental illnesses. In conversations with young patients, they indicate loneliness, neglect by loved ones, and lack of attention to their opinions within the family as the main reasons for their problems.
Last year, Ravshan Mamatov, the head of the National Drug Control Center, also noted the widespread nature of pharmaceutical addiction, emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation among Central Asian countries to address this issue. Tashkent's deputy mayor Durdona Rahimova also confirmed that the consumption of synthetic drugs is increasing among school students in the capital and stated that this issue cannot be ignored.
In Uzbekistan, a systematic fight against the illegal consumption of pharmaceutical preparations has been ongoing for several years. With a decision that came into force in December 2019, the sale of potent drugs is strictly regulated, allowing them to be sold only with a doctor's prescription and through social pharmacies.
At the same time, the list of these drugs has been expanded to include andante (zolpidem), pregabalin (Lyrica), and tropicamide eye drops used for narcotic effects. Pregabalin was originally developed to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety disorders.
However, due to the psychological uplift that occurs as a side effect, it has become one of the most dangerous substances for pharmaceutical addiction in many countries. Therefore, controlling these preparations and combating their illegal consumption requires special attention in Uzbekistan.
