Addictive Behaviour
Understanding Drug abuse
Drug abuse is the use of drugs which harm the physical, mental or social well-being of an individual, in doses above or for periods beyond those normally regarded as therapeutic or general usage.
Common drugs of abuse
Name |
Category |
Effect and dangers |
Ketamine (Special K, K, Kit Kat, Vitamin K) |
Others |
|
Crystal methamphetamine (Ice) |
Stimulants |
|
Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) (Ecstasy) |
Stimulants |
|
Cannabis (Marijuana, hash, grass) |
Hallucinogens |
|
Codeine (Cough medicine) (Robo, DXM) |
Others |
|
Cocaine (C, coke, flake, snow, stardust, Charlie, crack, gold dust, coco) |
Stimulants |
|
Why drug abuse?
- Peer pressure
- Boredom / kill time
- Curiosity
- Over-confidence
- Escape from reality
- Wrongly think that the drugs would not cause addiction
- Lack of parental care / broken families
- Make bad friends
Harmful effects of drug abuse
- Contract diseases e.g. AIDS, Hepatitis B and Tetanus by sharing infected needles
- Distort perception of and response to the environment, causing harm to oneself and to others
- Alter behaviour
- Adversely affect liver, lung, kidney and heart health
- Acute intoxication and death
- Problems appear in interpersonal relationships and one can lose friends and even family
- School and work performance may deteriorate
- Lead to poor appetite and weight loss
- Become addicted
- Since a lot of money is needed to buy drugs, one may commit crimes, be imprisoned and destroy his/her future
Ten ways to say "NO"
Saying "NO" is the only way to protect yourself. Remember: Other people can't make you abuse drug if you don't want to.
- Just simply say "NO"
- Refuse strongly. "Don't push me...... I said No!"
- Talk about the consequences of drug abuse. "This thing will make me sick"
- Find an excuse to leave. "Sorry, I have to go for my tennis lesson now."
- Talk about something else. "Oh! I am going on a trip next week."
- Suggest other options. "Here, have some chocolates."
- Refuse subtly. "I am allergic to many drugs, so I can't take any without doctor's prescription."
- Make friends carefully. Stay away from bad people. "You don't need to tempt me. None of my friends take drugs. It's more fun to play basketball."
- Mention your parents. "My dad won't let me take them."
- Mention professional advice. "Drugs? Let me ask my doctor first."
Ways to refrain from drug abuse
- Keep away from all abused drugs
- Make friends carefully
- Express and ventilate your feelings
- Develop good hobbies e.g. drawing, singing
- Share your problems with your family members, teachers or social workers
- Participate in recreational activities
- Cultivate a happy family
- Remember to say "NO" to these drugs when being offered
For more information, please call Helpline: 186 186 WhatsApp / WeChat: 98 186 186 Or browse the website of Narcotics Division, Security Bureau: www.nd.gov.hk
(Revised in June 2022)