A recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Christian Service has revealed that a significant number of drug users delay seeking assistance, with half waiting years to address their addiction. The survey, which polled 304 drug users between September and November, found that 55 percent only sought treatment after using drugs for more than three years.
The findings also indicate that nearly 40 percent of respondents downplayed the negative impacts of drug use on their lives. Alarmingly, the youngest individual reported as a drug user was just nine years old.
Michael Ng, the service supervisor for the organization, highlighted that the stigma surrounding drug use may contribute to the reluctance to seek help. "Sometimes it's a health issue in their body, or maybe they were not aware of the mental illness issue. The second point is they don't want to publicly tell their story," he explained.
In light of these findings, the Hong Kong Christian Service is advocating for enhanced prevention education in schools and more accessible support channels to assist individuals in overcoming drug addiction.
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