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The number of drug abusers reported to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) fell to 14,087 in 2005, a decline of 5.2% compared to 2004. The decrease was mainly due to the decline in the number of heroin abusers.
The figures were analysed at the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) meeting today (March 23) when members were briefed on the latest drug situation in Hong Kong.
Members noted that young abusers aged under 21 rose by 3.3%, and stood at 2,255. Young abusers of psychotropic substances rose from 2,050 to 2,163, a 5.5% increase in 2005 compared to the previous year.
Ketamine remained the most popular type of psychotropic substance and two-thirds of the abusers were under 21. However, compared to 2004, the number of ketamine abusers in 2005 dropped by 19.1% (at 2,090). There was a general increase in most of other popular types of psychotropic substances, such as ecstasy, ice, triazolam, midazolam, zopiclone, and cough medicine.
The proportion of multiple drug abusers increased by five percentage points (24.1% to 29.1%) from 3,502 to 4,037.
Commenting on the 2005 drug situation, ACAN Chairman Dr Choi Yuen-wan said that when the ACAN and the Narcotics Division mapped out the future strategies, the prevalence of psychotropic substance abuse, particularly among young people, would be tackled as a matter of priority.
"On the preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation fronts, ACAN noted that some innovative initiatives would be launched in the coming months. These initiatives would broadly reflect the emphasis of anti-drug strategy promulgated in the Fourth Three Year Plan on Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation services and the latest drug trends," Dr Choi said.
Analysing the CRDA figures, the Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Rosanna Ure, said the growing popularity of psychotropic substance abuse among youngsters reaffirmed the division's emphasis on this phenomenon and programmes were designed with this target group in mind.
"By strengthening preventive education, we hope to impart upon young people the relevant drug knowledge so that they know why and how to stay away from drugs," Mrs Ure said.
"Other than maximising the use of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre to serve as an effective educational platform for young people, the division will organise an inter-school English debating competition on the theme of anti-drug in collaboration with the Youth Outreach and Drug Awareness Committee of International Association of Lions Clubs District 303."
"More than 40 secondary schools will be participating in the event. These schools will actively involve their students in researching into the subject which will enhance their drug knowledge. In the school setting, these participants are expected to share their knowledge on the subject with other students, thereby playing the 'multiplier' role.Ħħ
"In view of the emergence of young abusers who are experimenting and non-dependent regular users as well as tainted young working adults, drug education for other stake-holders, for instance parents, is also essential in the war against drugs. Early intervention is the key to prevent these abusers from forming a drug-taking habit and developing into habitual abusers with growing dependency.Ħħ
"To enlist the help of parents in fighting drug abuse, the Narcotics Division will organise a number of seminars for parents with the aim of equipping them with the technique to handle teenagers' emotions and needs. Through these events, we hope parents can understand that families can form a 'protective shield' for the young generation by boosting parent-child relationship, enhancing communication skills and acquiring drug knowledge," Mrs Ure said.
Ends/Thursday, March 23, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:58
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