Total number of reported drug abusers in decline but drug problems still require 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 2017 decreased by 18 per cent (from 8,239 to 6,725) when compared with 2016. The number of newly reported drug abusers decreased by 24 per cent (from 2,024 to 1,535), among whom about half (49 per cent) were young adults aged between 21 and 35, showing that drug abuse in this age group calls for continuous attention.
The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 registered a decrease of 12 per cent (from 518 to 455), of which the number of newly reported cases decreased by 6 per cent (from 365 to 342).
The latest CRDA figures also revealed that the median drug abuse history of newly reported abusers (i.e. the time for abusers to be reported to the CRDA by reporting agencies from their first drug abuse) was 4.3 years, compared with 4.6 years in 2016.
In 2017, the total number of reported psychotropic substance abusers (PSAs) and narcotic analgesic abusers decreased by 25 per cent (from 5,295 to 3,952) and 9 per cent (from 4,060 to 3,702) respectively. Among the newly reported cases, the number of PSAs (1,343) was substantially higher than that of narcotic analgesic abusers (201), reflecting the continued prevalence of psychotropic substance abuse.
Heroin remained the most common type of drug abused among all reported drug abusers, while the total number of reported heroin abusers decreased by 9 per cent (from 4,058 to 3,699) compared with 2016.
Methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice"), with the number of reported abusers having decreased from 2,489 to 1,727, continued to be the most common type of psychotropic substance abused. Decreased reported abusers were also recorded for other major types of psychotropic substances, including triazolam/midazolam/zopiclone (from 984 to 875), ketamine (from 1,262 to 604), cannabis (from 448 to 386), cough medicine (from 432 to 246), MDMA ("ecstasy") (from 54 to 26) and nimetazepam (from 29 to 25).
However, the number of reported cocaine abusers increased (from 801 to 839). For reported young drug abusers aged under 21, increases were also recorded on cocaine (from 183 to 227) and cannabis (from 95 to 124).
The ACAN Chairman, Dr Ben Cheung, said, "Although the overall number of reported drug abusers in 2017 declined when compared with 2016, 'Ice' abuse is still prevalent and abuse of cocaine and cannabis among youngsters has increased. Meanwhile, the median drug abuse history of 4.3 years suggests that hidden drug abuse remains a cause for concern. We will therefore continue to strengthen preventive education and publicity to enhance the awareness of members of the public of the drug harms, and enable them to play a more active role in preventing drug abuse, identifying drug abusers and encouraging early help-seeking."
The Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Manda Chan, said, "We will continue to adopt the five-pronged strategy in the fight against drugs, and strengthen the dissemination of anti-drug messages and promotion of the anti-drug hotline 186 186 and instant messaging service 98 186 186. With Easter approaching, young people enjoying the holiday should remain vigilant and not be tempted to take drugs out of curiosity and peer influence. Anyone who discovers that his or her friends may have drug problems should encourage them to seek help early."
The CRDA figures for 2017 are available on the ND's website (www.nd.gov.hk/en/index.htm).
Ends/Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:55
Issued at HKT 16:55
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