Treating drug addicts is costly for the state — Zarifjon Ashurov

Drug dependency treatment is carried out in two forms: voluntary and compulsory. In some cases, compulsory treatment for drug addiction can last up to nearly 18 months, resulting in significant financial costs for the state. QALAMPIR.UZ’s correspondent reported this today, January 30, from a press conference dedicated to a comprehensive operational and preventive month-long campaign to combat the spread of narcotic and psychotropic substances among young people.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Mental Health Zarifjon Ashurov stated that there are 2,400 inpatient beds available nationwide for the treatment of narcological patients, and that nearly 36,000 patients undergo treatment at these centers each year.

According to him, narcological treatment is provided on both a voluntary and compulsory basis. Voluntary treatment is undertaken at the patient’s own request and usually lasts 20 days to one month. However, in cases of compulsory treatment, if an individual poses a danger to themselves or others or refuses to acknowledge their condition, they may be referred for treatment by a court decision.

“Under the law, the duration of compulsory treatment may last up to 18 months. If we fail to prevent this problem, we must understand how costly it becomes for the state, because detoxifying the body from this disease is extremely difficult,” Ashurov said.

Ashurov added that natural dopamine provides a person with a sense of calm and psychological stability. Synthetic substances, however, may lead to depression, irritability, and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts after a short period of perceived relief. As a result, individuals may lose control over their actions, causing the problem to deepen further.

For this reason, the conference emphasized that alongside strengthening control measures in the fight against drug abuse, it is essential to enhance treatment, prevention, and social rehabilitation efforts. When a person returns to society in a healthy condition, their life and future can change.

It was also discussed that combating drug addiction requires joint efforts by both society and the state, including the formation of public immunity against this problem. In line with instructions from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, it was noted that systematic and continuous efforts will be carried out among young people, particularly in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, the Youth Affairs Agency, and mahalla chairpersons.