The Silent Epidemic of Drug Abuse in Russia
Drug addiction in Russia remains a pressing social issue, with millions suffering from substance abuse disorders. The situation has been compounded by draconian laws that often lead to the incarceration of individuals for minor offenses rather than providing them with the necessary support and treatment. The rise in drug overdose deaths is indeed alarming, with over 10,000 Russians dying from drug use in 2021, marking a 37 percent increase from 2020 and doubling the number from 2019. This surge has been linked to various factors, including economic hardships and mental health issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Russian government’s punitive approach, as seen in the State Anti-Drug Strategy of 2010, emphasizes social intolerance and criminalization of drug use. This strategy is at odds with the recommendations of public health researchers, who advocate for harm reduction and support-based policies. The underreporting of overdose deaths by the State Anti-Drug Committee (GAK) further obscures the true extent of the crisis, as many deaths related to drug use are not classified as overdoses.
The vast majority of drug users in Russia resort to intravenous methods, with heroin being the most common substance used, although other opiates and homemade amphetamines are also prevalent. The International Narcotics Control Board has noted that Russia is becoming the largest heroin market in Europe, with the number of heroin users estimated to be close to one million as of 2004, and this number continues to rise.
In response to the state’s failure to provide adequate support, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have stepped in to offer harm reduction services and advocate for the rights of drug users and sex workers. The Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice is one such NGO that provides clean syringes, medicines, and support to drug addicts in Moscow. However, the reach of these organizations is limited, and they cannot fully meet the demand for their services.
Article 228 of the penal code, known as the “people’s article,” has resulted in over 200,000 individuals — approximately one in three convicts — being incarcerated for drug possession, often for small amounts. This has led to an overburdened criminal justice system and has done little to address the organized drug trade, which continues to operate with relative impunity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the visibility of drug overdoses in Russia increased significantly. Rosstat, the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, reported a stark rise in overdose deaths, with 7,316 fatalities in 2020, a substantial increase from the 4,569 deaths recorded in 2019. This surge has been attributed to various factors, including the proliferation of Russian-made synthetic drugs of questionable quality amid tighter import controls on foreign-made substances during the outbreak. The pandemic also led to an increase in drug use worldwide due to economic hardships and mental health issues.
The trafficking of all types of drugs, including psychostimulants and opiates, has been noted as a contributing factor to the worsening situation. The State Anti-Drug Committee reported a near doubling of drug overdose deaths in two years amid the coronavirus pandemic, with a total of 7,400 Russians dying from drug overdoses in 2020 compared with 6,300 in 2019. The increase in production and distribution of synthetic drugs inside the country, facilitated by the internet, has been highlighted as a significant concern.
In response to the state’s shortcomings, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have stepped in to provide support and harm reduction services to drug users. The Andrey Rylkov Foundation for Health and Social Justice, operating in Moscow, is one such organization offering clean syringes, medicines, and support to drug addicts. Despite their efforts, the reach of these NGOs is limited, and they cannot entirely meet the demand for their services. The small number of NGOs active in this area does not cover the demand by a long way.
Moreover, recent developments indicate that the number of drug users registered with government addiction services has decreased in recent years, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and the need for political will to address the crisis. The situation calls for a comprehensive approach that includes not only law enforcement but also public health strategies that prioritize treatment and harm reduction over criminalization. Without significant reforms, the drug addiction crisis in Russia is likely to persist, with devastating consequences for individuals and society at large.
The legal framework in Russia, particularly Article 228 of the penal code, presents significant obstacles for individuals struggling with addiction. This article, which governs the purchase, possession, distribution, production, and processing of drugs, has been dubbed the “people’s article” due to the vast number of people it has affected. It is estimated that one in three convicts in Russia are in jail because of drug possession, often for minor offenses. This has led to a criminal justice system inundated with drug possession cases, diverting attention from more organized and serious drug trade operations.
Moreover, the enforcement of Article 228 has been reported to be inconsistent and often exploited for corruption. There have been instances where police have been accused of planting drugs on individuals or increasing the amount of drugs found to prosecute under criminal law. This has resulted in a climate of fear and mistrust among those who use drugs, further alienating them from seeking help and contributing to the cycle of addiction.
In conclusion, the situation of drug addiction in Russia is indeed dire. The increasing number of overdose deaths reflects a lack of supportive measures for those in need. The government’s strategy, which has largely relied on punitive measures, has proven to be ineffective and has only served to exacerbate the problem. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and harm reduction advocates continue to work tirelessly to provide support and advocate for a more humane approach to addiction. However, without significant policy changes and increased support, the crisis is likely to persist. The impact of Article 228 on drug addiction in Russia underscores the urgent need for reform in how the country approaches drug policy and treatment.
