A recent Hong Kong Free Press<\/a> article revealed young adults in Hong Kong are committing serious drug offences. The Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The three most common drugs found among Hong Kongers in 2022 were heroin, cannabis, and cocaine. However, cannabis, cocaine, and ketamine (or \u201cK\u201d) were popular among youngsters below 21. It\u2019s important to note that the numbers may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related measures.<\/p>\n Hong Kong\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Dr. Donald Li, stated,<\/p>\n “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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n He added, \u201cMeanwhile, 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.”<\/p>\n Substance abuse at a young age can harm a child’s development much more than older users for obvious reasons; a child\u2019s brain and body are less developed and are therefore less tolerant to the effects of drugs and can get addicted<\/a> quickly.<\/p>\n Substances like cocaine can cause heart attacks, cannabis can impact focus and memory<\/a> in the long term, and children using ketamine can develop anxiety, depression, and several other mental health issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hospitalization can be a genuine concern for many parents whose children are identified as drug users.<\/p>\n An overdose occurs when an individual takes more than the standard or recommended amount of a drug. The symptoms of an overdose<\/a> include severe chest pain and headaches, seizure, difficulty breathing, delirium, extreme agitation, and anxiety.<\/p>\n Most overdoses happen accidentally. For example, users might have taken more of a particular drug than their tolerance, used a drug they\u2019re not familiar with, or mixed two or more substances.<\/p>\n Here is a list of different signs of overdose caused by different substances, many of which can lead to death:<\/p>\n If you believe that someone is experiencing a drug overdose, you must call emergency services<\/a> as soon as possible by dialing 999 in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Addiction can be a shameful secret for drug users across the world. Unfortunately, shaming substance abusers is one way to ensure that people won\u2019t seek treatment when they need it, resulting in people suffering in silence rather than risking the ridicule of family, friends, and peers.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Narcotics Division of the Hong Kong Government\u2019s Security Bureau has an online list<\/a> of treatment and rehabilitation centers as part of the country\u2019s multi-modality approach to combating drug abuse.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Community-based counseling centers like the Caritas HUGS Centre<\/a> and KELY Support Group<\/a> also exist, along with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals<\/a>\u2019 Youth & Family Services. If you\u2019re concerned about a person\u2019s substance abuse problem, contact any of the above community groups or seek advice from your GP.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Be sure to check the fine print of your insurance plan. If your plan doesn\u2019t offer coverage or you\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n For a free plan comparison or some impartial insurance advice, contact us<\/a> today!<\/p>\n![\"Individual](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pacificprime.hk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/WP-Banner-revamp-final-20221207_1.-Single-final.jpg?resize=700%2C303&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\nThe Latest Youth Drug Abuse Statistics in Hong Kong<\/h2>\n
The Impact of Drug Abuse on Young People<\/h2>\n
Understanding Overdose from Substance Abuse<\/h2>\n
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Treatment for Drug Abuse in Hong Kong<\/h2>\n
Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Treatment for Drug Abuse?<\/h2>\n
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