China Launches Campaign to Combat Youth Drug Abuse

A new proposal has been released in China, focusing on the issue of young people abusing nontraditional narcotic and psychotropic drugs. This initiative, spearheaded by seven government departments including the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the Ministry of Public Security, is part of a broader online awareness campaign scheduled to run until December.

The proposal highlights the growing concern over the rapid spread of these drugs, which pose a significant threat to the physical and mental well-being of the public, particularly the youth. Authorities have noted an increase in cases involving young people abusing these substances. This is partly attributed to a lack of awareness about the dangers and the influence of misleading information encountered online.

The proposal identifies specific drugs commonly abused, including etomidate, dextromethorphan, and tramadol. These substances, already under regulatory control in China, can lead to serious health consequences when misused, including addiction, anxiety, depression, and even violent behavior or death.

The proposal emphasizes that using these drugs for non-medical purposes constitutes illicit drug abuse. It urges young people to adhere to medical prescriptions and avoid overdosing. Furthermore, it encourages them to be cautious of suspicious offers, especially in social settings and online interactions.

Young people are warned about the deceptive tactics used by drug traffickers, who often disguise drugs as everyday items like e-cigarettes and snacks, falsely claiming they are harmless or beneficial. The proposal also calls on parents and family members to educate young people about safe medication practices, encourage participation in sports and other activities to alleviate stress, provide a listening ear, and seek professional help when needed.

The public is also encouraged to report any information related to illicit drugs to the authorities immediately. China has intensified its efforts to combat the abuse of these substances in recent years, including adding new psychoactive substances and narcotic and psychotropic drugs to its controlled drug list. Law enforcement has also made significant progress in cracking down on related criminal activities.