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Illegal Drug abuse in Hong Kong adolescents

Illegal drug use is the action of using drugs that are prohibited by the government or strictly controlled by means of prescription to alter one’s consciousness and emotions] [1.1]

The Hong Kong government has a zero tolerance policy against illegal drug use. Drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy which can be considered recreational drugs are all illegal in Hong Kong. The recent increase in the amount of illegal drug use in Hong Kong in the past decade, has caught the concern of the general public, especially regarding the rising trend of teenage drug abuse.[JH3]

It is common to see youth taking drugs on everyday news, this phenomenon may bring a huge impact to adolescents and society, as drugs do impact both emotional and physical health, potentially causing long lasting damage.[JH4] Despite Hong Kong being a relatively safe city, and the Hong Kong government’s efforts in controlling the use of illegal substances, drug abuse is still a prevailing issue in Hong Kong.

Each year, more than 2000 people are reported to have taken drugs for the first time*(source B1). Hong Kong's relatively lenient punishment for those found to have possessed illegal drugs can be attributed to the growing trend of illegal drug use. Sometimes, the offender is only asked to bind over or charged with a fine after they are convicted*(Source B2).

Popular drugs in Hong Kong
The following substances listed, all considered illegal in Hong Kong unless stated otherwise, are in order of popularity[2.1]:

•Ketamine- a general anesthetic used in intensive care by doctors for its pain relieving and sedative qualities.

•Cannabis

•Ecstasy/MDMA- a psychoactive drug that induces hallucinogenic properties. The popularization of ecstasy became popular mid 90’s because of its association with western club culture and Raves.

•Cocaine- a white powdery substance extracted from the leaves of coca plant, and is considered the strongest natural stimulant.

•Methamphetamine- a strong central nervous system stimulant in the amphetamine class used to treat ADHD.

•Heroin- an opioid analgesic, derived from the opium poppy, a narcotic drug that is four times stronger than morphine.

•Cough Medicine- (legal)

•GHB- a central nervous system suppressant with anti-anxiety effects at lower doses. In higher doses the sedative effects of GHB can induce sleep, which can potentially lead to a coma. GHB is also known as a date rape drug.[2.2]

•Medicinal tablets- (legal)

Penalties
Illegal drug use in Hong Kong is regarded as narcotics offences, and if caught penalties include imprisonment for seven years and a fine of HK$1,000,000 [4.1]. From the statistics of drug offences in 2015 released by The Secretary for Security, Lai Tung-Kwok, there are 1855 serious drug offenses in total. 414 offenses less compared to 2013 nearly 450 young adults were arrested because of serious offenses, such as possession and use of illegal drugs. [4.2]

Prevention
There is no sufficient evidence suggesting that behavioral intervention can prevent illegal drug use.[ To prevent people from taking drugs in Hong Kong, there are numerous agencies such as non-governmental organizations, the departments of the government and anti-drug organizations. The Narcotics Division launched anti-drug policies and measures providing programs to strengthen the community’s awareness of hidden problems of drug abuse. It also set up a 24-hour hotline to provide services and professional social workers to give suggestions. The Caritas Youth and Community Service, and Play Safe Healthy Life Service strive to help adolescents with substance abuse problems through providing crisis intervention services and drug education.

Recreational drug use
Recreational drug use is characterized by the use of drugs with psychoactive effects without medical justification for personal enjoyment. [6.1] Recreational drug use in Hong Kong among young adults has been in the rise in recent decade* Stats?, popularized by the introduction of club culture in the West. Examples?* More information required.