Armenian doctors are concerned of growth of drug addicts in the country

In Armenia, drugs are mainly used by people aged 25-35, mostly resident of Yerevan. By official data, the number of drug addicts in the country has doubled. This was stated by Petros Semerdzhyan, director of the Narcology Centre of Armenia and Chief Narcologist.

Doctor Semerdzhyan has reported that as of January 1, 2010, Armenia had 1717 registered drug addicts, or by 50 percent more than in 2009, when the country had 1144 registered drug addicts. According to the Chief Narcologist, the growth may be attributed to two reasons: real growth of addicts or growth of their addresses to medical establishments.

Under unofficial data, the count of drug addicts who use the so-called "hard" drugs varies in Armenia from five to seven thousand. According to the Narcology Centre, most of the "hard" drugs, like, for example, opium, arrive to Armenia from Iran. Apart from the above five-seven thousand addicts, some 25,000 use the so-called "light" drugs, like locally grown hemp, which is easy to find and which has no heavy consequences for the organism.

Petros Semerdzhyan said that main drug users in the country are young men in the 25-35 age bracket. According to his story, 0.5 percent of addicts are women; and 22 women are now registered by his Centre.

He has noted that all who addressed for help were cured from their addiction. For citizens of Armenia the treatment course is free of charge. There were cases when citizens of other countries addressed the local narcology clinic.