Total number of reported drug abusers continues to decline but still requires attention
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According to the latest figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA), the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2016 decreased by 7 per cent (from 5,431 to 5,050) compared with the same period of 2015. The number of newly reported drug abusers was 12 per cent lower (from 1,138 to 1,002). However, over half of these abusers (55 per cent) were young adults aged between 21 and 35, reflecting that drug abuse in this age group remained a concern.
The number of reported drug abusers aged under 21 decreased by 35 per cent (from 445 to 288). The number of those newly reported decreased by 22 per cent (from 235 to 183).
The latest CRDA figures also revealed that the median drug history of newly reported abusers (i.e. the time between abusers being discovered by the CRDA reporting agencies and their first drug abuse) was 4.1 years, compared with 5.8 years in 2015. Despite this shorter reported drug history, continual efforts in combating the hidden drug problem are needed.
In the first half of 2016, both the total number of reported psychotropic substance abusers (PSAs) and that of narcotic analgesic abusers decreased. The former decreased by 3 per cent (from 3,227 to 3,120) and the latter, 10 per cent (from 2,842 to 2,570). Among those newly reported, the number of PSAs (871) was considerably higher than that of narcotic analgesic abusers (130), reflecting the continued prevalence of psychotropic substance abuse.
Heroin remained the most common type of drug abused among all reported drug abusers. However, the total number of reported heroin abusers decreased by 10 per cent (from 2,841 to 2,568).
Methamphetamine ("ice") continued to surpass ketamine as the most common type of psychotropic substance abused. The number of reported "ice" abusers increased by 14 per cent (from 1,245 to 1,423) while the number of reported ketamine abusers decreased by 35 per cent (from 1,294 to 847).
The total numbers of reported abusers of other major types of psychotropic substances increased - MDMA ("ecstasy"), from 30 to 38; cough medicine, from 207 to 249; cocaine, from 368 to 423; cannabis, from 215 to 246; triazolam/midazolam/zopiclone, from 540 to 586; and nimetazepam, from 15 to 16.
The ACAN Chairman, Dr Ben Cheung, said, "Despite the decline in the total number of reported drug abusers, the hidden drug problem and prevalence of 'ice' abuse continue to call for attention. As many drug abusers may have low motivation to seek help, sustained concerted efforts of the anti-drug sector and various partners in the community will be required to identify hidden abusers early and encourage them to seek help. We will also continue to enhance public awareness of the drug problems, particularly the harms of abusing 'ice'."
The Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Manda Chan, said, "The Government will continue to adopt the five-pronged strategy in the fight against drugs, namely preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, legislation and law enforcement, external co-operation, and research. With the relatively high proportion of drug-abusing young adults, we will collaborate with different organisations to implement suitable preventive education initiatives, including anti-drug briefings and visits to workplaces to promote healthy lifestyles. We will also continue to promote the 24-hour anti-drug helpline 186 186 and instant messaging service 98 186 186 to encourage people with drug problems to seek help early."
Ends/Friday, October 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:00
Issued at HKT 17:00
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