Date: 19/12/2024
A survey found that 55.0% of drug abusers only seek detox services after using drugs for over three years, with some believing that drug abuse has no negative impact. Since establishing Hong Kong's first centre that provides non-residential detoxification and counselling services for psychotropic substance abusers in 1988, the Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) has been concerned about the situation of drug abuse in society. From September to November this year, HKCS conducted a 'Research on Drug Abusers' Motivations for Seeking Help' to interview 304 drug abusers through a questionnaire. The results revealed that the average age for first-time drug use is 19.5 years old, and the rise of 'space oil' may exacerbate the hidden drug use among younger people.
Drug Use Often Begins in Adolescence and Spreads among Social Circles
The survey found that the youngest age for first-time drug use was 9 years old, while the oldest was 57 years old. Notably, 49.5% were under 18 years old, and 40.6% were aged 18 to 29, indicating that drug use often began during adolescence. The drugs most people had ever used were 'cannabis' (50.7%), 'ketamine' (50.3%), and 'cocaine' (48.7%). 8.6% of drug abusers had used 'space oil'. Additionally, 48.7% of drug abusers obtained drugs through 'friends/classmates', second only to 'drug dealers/sellers' (70.1%). Furthermore, the main locations for drug use were private places, including 'home or a friend's house' (80.6%).
Drug Abusers Underestimate the Impact of Drug Use and Refuse to Seek Detox Services
The survey showed that 15.1% of drug abusers had not sought detox services, with 33.6% and 21.4% seeking services only after taking drugs for '3 to 8 years' and 'over 8 years', respectively, reflecting low motivation to seek help. Regarding the reasons for not seeking detox services, 44.7% felt they could stop using drugs on their own when needed, while 39.1% believed that drug use had not yet brought them negative effects. The survey also found that drug abusers tended to agree with society's negative perceptions of them. 51.3% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'they always say they will quit but can't be trusted', and 60.2% agreed or strongly agreed that 'their problems are self-inflicted'.
HKCS indicated that overestimating detox capabilities, underestimating the harm of drug abuse, and internalising society's negative perceptions reduced the motivation for drug abusers to seek help, potentially delaying appropriate treatment and worsening mental and physical health. HKCS also reviewed its current 392 cases of drug treatment services and found that only 18.9% sought help directly on their own. The rest were referred by other professionals or encouraged by family or friends. Additionally, nearly half of the cases had at least one health issue, with the most common problems being 'emotional disturbances (e.g., depression, irritability)' (48.2%), 'sleep disturbances' (34.9%), and 'physical discomfort (e.g., stomach pain, headache)' (29.8%). This highlighted the impact of delayed help-seeking on mental and physical health.
Affirmation and Support Encourage Drug Abusers to Seek Help
According to the survey, drug abusers believed that… | |||
supportive words can enhance their motivation to seek professional help: | discouraging words can diminish their motivation to seek professional help: | ||
'I see you are making progress and trying to reduce your usage. Why not try seeking more help? It might be better.' | 39.5% | 'It's pointless. You definitely can't quit and will start using again.' | 58.9% |
'You can do it, have some confidence in yourself.' | 37.5% | 'You really have no hope.' | 45.7% |
'I will accompany you to find help!' | 31.9% | 'Just don't use the drugs anymore, why can't you do that?' | 29.9% |
HKCS added that 'space oil' had rapidly spread among youth in recent years, with its vaping method leading many young people to underestimate its harm. By the time they seek professional help, their mental and physical health may already be severely compromised.
Using Space Oil Increases the Risk of Mental Illness
19-year-old Luna had used various drugs including 'space oil' and 'ketamine'. She had a poor relationship with her parents since she was a child. After leaving home due to a quarrel when she was 15 years old, she first tried drugs under peer influence at a party. Years of drug abuse had left her feeling physically unwell and prone to illness and using space oil had caused her tremors while further worsening her relationship with her parents. In 2022, due to declining physical and mental health, she sought help from HKCS's PS33 Centre and gradually distanced herself from drugs. 'When I was using drugs, my mind was blank. It helped me forget about my arguments with my parents, but I later realised this escape didn't solve my problems. There are still many possibilities and joys in life.' Luna said, 'Many drug abusers are unhappy and lonely. Being labelled by society, they even feel hopeless. I hope the society can understand us better and encourage us to seek help.'
Psychiatrist Dr Matthew Wong pointed out that drug abuse increases long-term risks of mental illness and 'space oil' can affect brain development in children and teenagers. In the past year, there have been several cases where individuals experienced emotional instability, insanity or muscle disorder after using 'space oil'. He hoped all sectors of society, especially families and friends of drug abusers, would maintain a caring and encouraging attitude and support them in seeking professional help as early as possible.
A Mother Walking Alongside Drug Abused Daughter
50-year-old Phoebe is a single mother who has raised her two children alone into adulthood. In August this year, she discovered her daughter was using 'space oil' at home and showing symptoms such as tremors, poor skin and unsteady standing. In September, Phoebe contacted HKCS's PS33 Centre for assistance. With the social worker's support, Phoebe changed her communication style with her daughter by focusing less on the harms of drug abuse and more on caring for her daughter's mental well-being. She later realised that her daughter was feeling stressed about life development, coupled with the influence of her peers, which led her to choose 'space oil' as a way to relieve stress. Now, her daughter is recovering from addiction with the support of Phoebe, who, in addition to caring for her family, is learning self-care by exploring various interests, such as going to church or gardening. 'People who use drugs often feel very lonely,' Phoebe said, 'I hope my daughter understands that life can take many different paths.' She encourages others with family members who struggle with drug abuse not to give up and walk alongside them through difficult times.
Recommendations
Based on the survey results, Hong Kong Christian Service is concerned about the challenges faced by hidden drug abusers when seeking help and urges all sectors of society to collaborate in creating a more friendly and inclusive environment for those affected by drug abuse to seek help. Therefore, HKCS recommends:
1. Strengthen Preventive Education in Schools to Prevent the Spread of 'Gateway Drugs'
- Integrate drug prevention education into the regular curriculum for secondary schools and universities while addressing the dangers posed by 'space oil';
- Collaborate with school social workers or counsellors to develop guidelines for handling students suspected of being affected by drugs, emphasising positive support and early intervention, to create a friendly environment for seeking help.
2. Develop Diverse Channels and Lower Barriers for Seeking Help
- Establish online platforms to offer professional support, medical consultations, community detox groups, etc.;
- Train recovering individuals as peer counsellors to share hope through personal experiences.
3. Promote Social Support Networks to Reduce Stigma
- Strengthen family education to enhance motivation for change so that family members or close relatives can replace negative criticism with positive words and improve the self-efficacy of hidden drug abusers;
- Strengthen community education to promote social acceptance and support for those struggling with drug abuse.
