Youth and Drug Abuse: Serious Drug Offences Alarming Parents in Hong Kong (Updated)
Media reports and health and crime statistics tell us that an alarming number of youngsters find it easy to obtain illicit drugs in Hong Kong. The effects of drug abuse on developing bodies and minds can be harmful in both the short and long term.
This Pacific Prime Hong Kong article examines drug use in young people, explains addiction and overdoses, and offers possible solutions for parents and young people looking for help.
The Latest Youth Drug Abuse Statistics in Hong Kong
A recent Hong Kong Free Press article revealed young adults in Hong Kong are committing serious drug offences. The Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) reported that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2022 decreased by 24 percent (from 3,589 to 2,742) compared with 2021.
The three most common drugs found among Hong Kongers in 2022 were heroin, cannabis, and cocaine. However, cannabis, cocaine, and ketamine (or “K”) were popular among youngsters below 21. It’s important to note that the numbers may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures.
Hong Kong’s law enforcement reports show that 64% of the young arrestees of drug offences under the age of 21 were arrested for serious drug offences. The proportion is 15 percent more than those arrested for drug offences who were older than 21.
The Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Dr. Donald Li, stated,
“In 2021, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and Hong Kong Customs seized over 14,000 kilograms of drugs, representing a 150 percent increase compared to the 2020 figure. A total of 4,438 drug cases were detected, which increased by 15 percent compared to the level in 2020.”
He added, “Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have continued to step up publicity and education so as to help the public, especially young people, to understand the dire consequences of drugs.”
The Impact of Drug Abuse on Young People
Substance abuse at a young age can harm a child’s development much more than older users for obvious reasons; a child’s brain and body are less developed and are therefore less tolerant to the effects of drugs and can get addicted quickly.
Substances like cocaine can cause heart attacks, cannabis can impact focus and memory in the long term, and children using ketamine can develop anxiety, depression, and several other mental health issues.
Hospitalization can be a genuine concern for many parents whose children are identified as drug users.
Understanding Overdose from Substance Abuse
An overdose occurs when an individual takes more than the standard or recommended amount of a drug. The symptoms of an overdose include severe chest pain and headaches, seizure, difficulty breathing, delirium, extreme agitation, and anxiety.
Most overdoses happen accidentally. For example, users might have taken more of a particular drug than their tolerance, used a drug they’re not familiar with, or mixed two or more substances.
Here is a list of different signs of overdose caused by different substances, many of which can lead to death:
- Depressants: dilated pupils, shallow breathing, weak or rapid pulse, clammy skin, and coma.
- Hallucinogens: psychosis, seizures, and unconsciousness (as with phencyclidine or PCP overdoses).
- Inhalants: seizures and unconsciousness.
- Marijuana: paranoia, fatigue, and possible psychosis.
- Narcotics: clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and slow, shallow breathing.
- Stimulants: increased body temperature, increased agitation, hallucinations, and convulsions.
If you believe that someone is experiencing a drug overdose, you must call emergency services as soon as possible by dialing 999 in Hong Kong.
Stay extremely vigilant if you come across any paraphernalia, including drug containers or residue, or any items that can aid in identifying the substance. If you find such items, make sure to take them with you to the hospital as they can assist doctors in determining the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Drug Abuse in Hong Kong
Addiction can be a shameful secret for drug users across the world. Unfortunately, shaming substance abusers is one way to ensure that people won’t seek treatment when they need it, resulting in people suffering in silence rather than risking the ridicule of family, friends, and peers.
Hong Kong psychiatrist Dr. Vanessa Ting-chi points out that stigmatization exists even within the healthcare community and can make connecting people in need with appropriate treatments more difficult. However, addiction is a disease that can be addressed and treated.
The Narcotics Division of the Hong Kong Government’s Security Bureau has an online list of treatment and rehabilitation centers as part of the country’s multi-modality approach to combating drug abuse.
Hong Kong has 37 drug treatment and rehabilitation centers and halfway houses, with 19 subvented by the Department of Health or Social Welfare Department, as well as compulsory placement schemes operated by the Correctional Services Department and Hospital Authority-run substance abuse clinics.
Community-based counseling centers like the Caritas HUGS Centre and KELY Support Group also exist, along with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ Youth & Family Services. If you’re concerned about a person’s substance abuse problem, contact any of the above community groups or seek advice from your GP.
Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Treatment for Drug Abuse?
Unfortunately, drug and substance abuse treatments are not included in most Hong Kong health insurance plans. This is because hospitalization for substance abuse and admission to a rehabilitation center can be expensive. However, some policies cover drug abuse under the mental health category.
Be sure to check the fine print of your insurance plan. If your plan doesn’t offer coverage or you’d like to know more about policies that can support young substance users, get in touch with Pacific Prime Hong Kong. Our insurance experts can help you find a plan that meets your unique needs.
For a free plan comparison or some impartial insurance advice, contact us today!
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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