Within a highly volatile socio-economic, political and legal environment, o
pium poppy has become an integral part of livelihood strategies in many rur
al communities in Afghanistan. Over the past decade Afghanistan has become
the would's leading producer of opium. The easy availability of both opium
and heroin, as well as a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs, coupled with a
n impoverished population traumatized by 20 years of war and conflict, has
led to an increase in drug problems both in Afghanistan and refugee communi
ties in neighbouring countries. This overview of the supply of, and demand
for, drugs in Afghanistan provides insights into the complexities of drug p
roduction and consumption within the broader context of development issues
and objectives.