Number of Iraqis on Hard Drugs Increases Fourfold Since 2004 - Report

In the years that followed the US invasion of Iraq, the number of drug abusers grew fourfold across the nation, the US Department of State’s International Narcotics Control Strategy Report assumes.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — A survey carried out by the US government and the Iraqi Ministry of Health confirmed that four times as many Iraqis are using hard drugs compared with 12 years ago, the US Department of State’s International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) said.

"The results of the survey report show an increase in substance abuse, with a 3.7 percent lifetime prevalence use rate, as compared with a 2004 WHO [World Health Organization] report indicating a less than one percent rate," the report, released on Wednesday, stated.

The US government survey compiled with the Baghdad-based Ministry of Health tracked the prevalence and demographics of substance abuse across Iraq to help create a new national strategy to reduce substance abuse, according to the State Department.

"Iraqi pharmacies are only beginning to require a doctor’s prescription before providing medicine and drugs to consumers," the report pointed out.

Drug law reform is needed to address the abuse and diversion of pharmaceutical medication and provide comprehensive protection against the trafficking and use of synthetic drugs, the report acknowledged.