Altai Territory's drug crisis deepens despite drop in teen substance abuse
Altai Territory's drug crisis deepens despite drop in teen substance abuse
Altai Territory's drug crisis deepens despite drop in teen substance abuse
Altai Territory has released its 2025 drug-related health data. The region faces higher drug disorder rates than the national average. Authorities have also reported a sharp rise in deaths from acute poisoning. Over 5,600 students in Altai Territory underwent school medical checks in 2025. None tested positive for drug use. However, a separate confidential programme found 348 at-risk teenagers using illegal substances.
The regional narcology clinic identified more than 370 children involved with drugs. Despite this, the adolescent drug disorder rate dropped to 444.12 per 100,000. This marks a 2.5 times decrease from 2024.
The territory’s overall drug disorder rate remains 41.3% above Russia’s average. Deaths from acute drug poisoning rose by 41%, reaching 5.5 per 100,000 people. The data shows mixed trends for Altai Territory. While adolescent drug disorders have fallen, overall rates and fatal poisonings have increased. The region continues to monitor and address the issue through targeted testing and health programmes.