In recent years, Central Asian countries have seen a concerning trend – the growing use of stimulants, especially new psychoactive substances among women. While such drug use disorders were previously considered a predominantly male problem, they are now becoming more prevalent among women. Stimulant use presents specific health and social risks, including deterioration of mental and physical health, increased vulnerability to violence, involvement in criminal structures, and significant barriers to accessing health care services—particularly for women. These challenges require a comprehensive and tailored approach to drug use disorder treatment and care.
The level of awareness of specialists providing assistance to women who use psychoactive substances remains insufficient in the context of international standards. Treatment strategies designed specifically for males and females, which have proven effective in different countries have not yet been widely applied in the region. Moreover, there is a lack of cohesion in the approach to organizing medical and psychological interventions, as well as social support, making it difficult to offer comprehensive assistance to women suffering from stimulant use disorders.
In this regard, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized a regional online workshop on «WOMEN AND STIMULANTS: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND EFFECTIVE APPROACHES TO THE TREATMENT OF STIMULANT USE DISORDERS», from 24 to 27 February 2025. The workshop aimed to support Central Asian countries in strengthening the capacity of specialists working in this field, on the latest promising international practices, and evidence-based approaches for the treatment and rehabilitation of women with stimulant use disorders. The initiative addressed current challenges associated with the increased stimulant use, their impact on the mental and physical health of women, as well as effective methods of diagnosis, treatment and social rehabilitation.
During the four-day workshop, a total of 111 professionals from all five Central Asian countries discussed epidemiological data and characteristics of stimulant use among women in the region; biopsychosocial factors in the development of drug use disorders, and modern approaches to therapy; specifics of working with vulnerable groups of women, including pregnant women, women in prison and victims of violence; current promising evidence-based international practices in providing assistance to women who use psychoactive substances and with stimulant use disorders, as well as their application in the national context.
The workshop program featured lectures, interactive sessions, small group activities, and the exchange of practical experiences. It provided participants with a well-balanced blend of evidence-based knowledge and real-world examples.
Communications Manager of the Eurasian Women’s Network on AIDS (Kyrgyzstan) talked about the risks of acquiring HIV, interaction with the healthcare services and unmet needs of people who use synthetic and new psychoactive substances in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan; a polish expert from the High School of Social Psychology and a chairwoman of the Global Public Health Network foundation highlighted international experiences in the provision of services for women who use stimulant and with stimulant use disorders. On the final day of the workshop, 17 NGO representatives, community activists and leaders from the five Central Asian countries joined participants to exchange insights. They discussed challenges and future perspectives, shared practical experiences in supporting individuals with drug use disorders, including women with stimulant use disorders, and explored strategies for outreach services and inter-agency cooperation to improve care and support systems.
The workshop was extremely well received by the participants. They pointed out the timeliness and importance of this capacity building initiative and requested this initiative to be continued in the form of national level or more advanced workshops providing an in-depth understanding of clinical and psycho-social aspects of drug use and the need for tailored and person-centered approaches.
