What is Narkostop?
History and mission of the project
"Narkostop" was launched in Almaty in 2021 as a response to the growth of drug addiction among young people. The initiator was the Almaty Youth Policy Department, making the project part of the state social program.

Since its foundation, Narkostop has aimed to systematically solve the problem of child and adolescent drug addiction in Kazakhstan.

The project's mission is to unite the efforts of the state, society and professionals to save young lives from drugs and promote the recovery of addicts. The project creates conditions for young people to remain sober, and those who have fallen into trouble to get a chance to return to normal life.

The core values ​​of Narkostop are compassion for addicts, a scientific and comprehensive approach to prevention, and active civic participation (volunteering) in solving social problems.
Areas of activity
Over several years of work, Narkostop has formed a multi-stage system to combat drug addiction among young people. Here are the key areas of the project:
Street and online drug patrol
Volunteer squads patrol city streets, identifying and painting over graffiti advertising for drugs (in 2024, over 50,000 graffiti on walls were cleared). At the same time, dozens of cyber volunteers monitor the Internet - social networks, messengers - in search of advertisements for the sale of drugs or recruitment of couriers, and transmit the data to the police. Such work deprives dealers of advertising channels and the involvement of young people.
Hotline and consultations
The project includes an anonymous helpline, where both drug users and their relatives can turn for advice and support. Psychologists and narcologists provide consultations around the clock, helping to develop an action plan. Operators receive about 300 calls from all over Kazakhstan every month. If necessary, those who contact them are provided with psychological assistance at their place of residence or are recommended to contact a treatment center. The project fundamentally ensures complete anonymity - personal data is not recorded so that people are not afraid to seek help.
Self-help groups
"Narkostop" organized free mutual aid groups in Almaty based on the principle of anonymous drug addicts (12 steps). In a therapeutic environment, those who struggle with addiction share experiences and support each other on the path to sobriety. Separate groups are held for codependents (parents and relatives), where people learn how to properly build relationships with an addict and take care of themselves. Such groups help reduce the social isolation of families affected by drug addiction.
Educational prevention
Educating young people is a key part of the project. Narkostop specialists and volunteers hold lectures, trainings and talks in schools, colleges and universities for students and parents, talking about the risks of drugs and skills to resist peer pressure. Over 4 years, about 300 events have been held for university and college students, including anti-drug months that have reached tens of thousands of young people. In addition, the project produces its own information materials: videos, articles, social advertising. For example, videos about addiction prevention are broadcast around the city on the Internet and public transport, and the NEZAVISIM_kz YouTube channel regularly releases prevention videos and videos with expert advice.
Individual assistance and rehabilitation
For those who have already fallen into addiction, Narkostop helps with treatment and return to normal life. The project directs those who have applied to proven rehabilitation centers - for example, to state drug treatment clinics or private centers that are ready to accept patients on a preferential basis. During the work of Narkostop, dozens of people have been sent for treatment for drug addiction. The project also supervises them in the post-rehabilitation period, connecting them to sobriety groups, helping with employment and social adaptation. Some of those who have recovered have joined the project volunteers themselves), showing an example that getting rid of drug addiction is possible.
Interaction with the state
"Narkostop" closely cooperates with the authorities. The project advises the Majilis deputies on issues of toughening penalties for drug trafficking and regulating new psychoactive substances. Gaps in legislation are also identified: following the results of monitoring legislation in 2024, the project team pointed out insufficient registration of drug addicts and the lack of licensing of private rehabilitation centers. Partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health allows the project to exchange data and coordinate efforts with law enforcement and medical structures.
Status and partners
The Narcostop project is implemented as a state social order of the Almaty Akimat. This means financing from the city budget and monitoring of efficiency. The project partners are the Police Department (the department for combating drug crime), city clinics and the Mental Health Center, educational organizations and many NGOs. For example, in terms of post-rehabilitation by the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health. Such an intersectoral approach is the key to success: by combining state resources, the expert knowledge of doctors and the enthusiasm of volunteers, Narcostop achieves tangible results in reducing the drug threat.
Contacts
Address: Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, st. Abaya, 68/74, office 211. 2nd floor, office of the Narcostop project

Phone: +7 747 461 6701
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