There are currently no public drug treatment facilities in Nepal, despite significant annual increase sin the number of drug users in the country. Treatment facilities are outsourced to private organizations and provided at a cost that is beyond the reach of most people. This means that legal provisions granting immunity from prosecution to those who enter drug treatment are denied to people who cannot afford it. With the majority of drug users below 20 when they first start using drugs, this issue has a major impact on young people. Our research explores the causes of drug use and suggests some key policy recommendations.