Open AccessThe Common Drugs of Abuse in Hong Kong
Author(s) -
Yuen ECP
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/102490790100800205
Subject(s) - ecstasy , medicine , substance abuse , drug , psychiatry , drugs of abuse
Drug abuse has been a problem with every society and across every generation. In this review, the recent trends of drug abuse and the clinical features of the new drug of abuse in Hong Kong, namely Ecstasy, Ketamine and Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are discussed. The data are collected from the Hong Kong Government Central Registry of drug abuse. It showed a rise in the total number of drug abusers in 2000. More alarmingly, we saw a dramatic rise (42.1%) in the under 21 years old age group. The drugs of abuse are also changing. Ecstasy was the most abused drug (51.5%) for the under 21 years old and overall it has become the second most common drug of abuse. The use of ketamine is also on the increase. The treatment and rehabilitation options available in Hong Kong are also discussed.