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Members of the Action Committee Against Narcotics noted a decrease of 2.3% (from 14,241 to 13,909) in the total number of reported drug abusers in 2009 over 2008 at their quarterly meeting today (March 16).
They were also told that the number of reported young drug abusers under 21 decreased by 3.3% (from 3,473 to 3,359).
However, there was a surge of 28.6% (from 262 to 337) in the number of newly reported female abusers aged under 16 and a rise of 6.8% (from 1,072 to 1,145) in the number of reported female abusers aged under 21.
The latest key statistics from the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) were tabled at the meeting for members to review last year's drug situation.
Heroin remained the most common type of drug among the reported abusers but the total number of reported heroin abusers was 4.8% lower than that of 2008.
The total number of reported psychotropic substance abusers (8,424) was again higher than the number of reported abusers taking narcotic analgesics (6,917).
Among the psychotropic substances abused, ketamine remained the most common. The number of reported ketamine abusers was 2.2% higher (from 5,099 to 5,212). Among these abusers, 53.9% were aged under 21.
The numbers of reported abusers of cough medicine (18.2% higher), triazolam/midazolam/zopiclone (2.6% higher) and ice (0.9% higher) were also on the rise.
Smaller numbers of reported abusers of ecstasy (36.2% lower), cocaine (26.6% lower), cannabis (19.8% lower) and nimetazepam (12.6% lower) were recorded.
Among the young drug abusers, home/friends' home (71%) was the most popular locality for taking drugs, which reflects the hidden nature of youth drug abuse. Other popular localities where young drug abusers took drugs were recreation area/public garden/public toilet (43.4%) and disco/karaoke (29.2%).
The most common reasons reported by psychotropic substance abusers for taking drugs were to identify with peers (55.8%), to relieve boredom/depression/anxiety (51.8%) and for curiosity (39.9%).
Ends/Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:58
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