Media about us
The Narkostop project attracts the attention of both Kazakh and foreign media. Here is a selection of some publications in authoritative publications about the project's activities:
- Kazinform (Kazinform) – “44% of addicts use drugs out of boredom — the Narkostop project”, January 13, 2025. The National News Agency summed up the results of Narkostop’s work in 2024. The article noted that the team held 127 campaigns to paint over drug graffiti and provided legal assistance to families of drug addicts. Curator Nurzhan Zhakupov reported on the results of a survey of 5,000 people: more than 44% of addicts named “curiosity and boredom” as the reason for starting to use drugs, and ~32% – the influence of friends. The media also emphasized that 19% of young people are at risk – these are those who are not busy with anything and have an environment that is loyal to drugs. The publication focuses on the unconventional portrait of a modern drug user (often an educated and employed person) and the efforts of Narkostop to identify legislative gaps and combat stigma. (44% of addicts use drugs out of boredom - the Narkostop project).
- Vecher.kz (Evening Almaty) – “The results of the Narcostop project for 2024 have been summed up in Almaty”, December 17, 2024. The city newspaper reports on a briefing by the Regional Communications Service of Almaty dedicated to the achievements of the project. Significant results were noted: over 150 preventive measures were carried out, over 110,000 inscriptions with drug advertisements were painted over. Particular attention was paid to the fact that the project involves young people – over 3,000 cybervolunteers help monitor and block prohibited content on the Internet. A representative of the akimat emphasized that this is an example of the positive influence of the younger generation on society. The article also provides quotes from curator Zhakupov about the importance of a systematic approach and plans for cooperation with parliament in 2025 on rehabilitation and prevention issues (which echoes the objectives of the project). (The results of the Narkostop project for 2024 were summed up in Almaty)
- BaigeNews.kz – “Project “Narcostop”: how drug addicts are helped in Almaty”, December 4, 2024. The online publication published a large review article about the work of “Narcostop”. Journalists noted that officially there are about 18 thousand drug addicts in Kazakhstan, of which ~3 thousand are young people aged 18–29, and about 100 are teenagers, but the real number may be several times higher. Against this background, it is described how the anonymity of the project attracts people for help (personal data is not recorded so as not to scare off those who have applied). In an interview, Nurzhan Zhakupov shares statistics: over 4 years, the project has received up to 5,000 calls per year to the call center, processing ~30 cases monthly. The material describes the formats of work – from consultations and psychological support to cyber volunteering and even assistance with employment. An example is given of how the project helped a mother get her son into a rehabilitation clinic by providing a preferential place when the family ran out of funds. The article concludes: “Narkostop” has become a lifeline for many families, offering free and anonymous help, and its experience shows the importance of removing the stigma and fear (“ұят болады”) before seeking help. (Project "Narkostop": How drug addicts are helped in Almaty: December 4, 2024)
- KazTAG (Kazakh Telegraph Agency) – “Every fifth teenager in Almaty tried synthetic drugs”, September 13, 2022. The news article quotes the Deputy Akim of Almaty Arman Kyrykbayev: according to a study by the initiative group “Narkostop”, 20% of the city’s teenagers have tried synthetic drugs at least once. This alarming figure became an incentive for expanding the project. It was also planned to launch 8 community centers to reach young people. This information indicates that the city authorities recognize the effectiveness of the project and the need to scale its activities throughout the country. (Every fifth teenager in Almaty tried synthetic drugs)
The Narkostop project has received wide coverage. Journalists highlight Almaty's unique experience in involving young people in the fight against drugs, provide statistics on successes and voice the problems identified by the project. The international community is also interested in Kazakhstan's experience in countering the "synthetic epidemic". This recognition motivates the project team to continue working and scale up successful practices to other regions.
Contacts
Address: Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, st. Abaya, 68/74, office 211. 2nd floor, office of the Narcostop project
Phone: +7 747 461 6701
Phone: +7 747 461 6701
+7 747 461 6701
