Substance Use among Women and Children in Afghanistan: The Complexities of an Important Public Health Issue

National surveys of substance use among those living in Afghanistan show multiple substances are easily accessible and commonly used in combination. Substance use in Afghanistan is complex, compounded
by the fact that almost half (48%) of the population is comprised of youth under 15 years of age. The number of women and children who report substance use has increased alarmingly over the last decade and a half. And while substance use disorder treatment services have expanded in Afghanistan’s urban areas, there is still a need for evidence-based and culturally appropriate substance use prevention and treatment programs in rural areas. To fulfill the country’s constitutional obligation, which includes an increase in the provision of prevention and treatment programs, there is an obvious need for institutions to strengthen and refine the coordination of counter narcotics efforts.