The narcotics economy in Iran, driven by geographical proximity to Afghanistan, the high profitability of smuggling, and socio-economic changes, has evolved into a major factor in the reproduction of social harms and the imposition of heavy costs on families and society. Tendencies toward drug use, alongside structural factors such as poverty, unemployment, diminished social capital, feelings of frustration and hopelessness among youth, and low public awareness of consumption consequences, lead to widespread outcomes such as increased divorce, domestic violence, child abuse, corruption, reduced social vitality, depression, insecurity, and a decline in economic productivity. An analysis of countermeasures indicates that intervention at the source of production (Afghanistan) faces political and security constraints, and a sole focus on law enforcement measures generates high costs at borders, in prisons, and within camps. Conversely, prevention emerges as a more cost-effective option capable of significantly reducing treatment and enforcement expenses, curbing consumption demand through continuous education starting from primary school, free public information dissemination via media and social networks, and the enhancement of social literacy. Furthermore, strengthening the treatment and rehabilitation cycle to prevent relapse, identifying high-risk groups, popularizing anti-drug policies, and utilizing the capacity of non-governmental organizations for awareness-raising and monitoring high-risk areas are evaluated as key strategies for reducing the consumption and the social and economic costs of narcotics.