Expert:Prevent Young People from Drug Abuse

People under the age of 30 account for a large percentage of the total drug users in China. The vulnerability young people have to succumb to drug abuse has become a major concern in recent years. Xyee takes a closer look.

Qiu Zeqi, professor with the Institute of Sociology and Anthropology at Peking University says young people account for nearly 80 percent of China's total drug users, of which 60 percent are male.

He says most drug users are exposed to drugs through their friends.

"Our study shows that 97 percent of drug users were in the crowd the first time they took drugs. That is to say, if they have friends who take drugs and encourage others to take, it will be easily for them to follow suit."

Qiu Zeqi says drugs such as ecstasy and Ketamine are popular among young people.

"Drugs in the family of Methamphetamine and Ketamine have an influence on people's nerves, making them excited. They are widely used at parties or night clubs. So these drugs are often called "Party Drugs". Young people usually take them for excitement. "

Many young people take it for granted that ecstasy and Ketamine are not as addictive as heroin and cocaine.
But Professor Qiu says their view has been proven false.

"Drugs such as ecstasy are also addictive. But compared with heroin and cocaine, it may take a longer time for people to be hooked. That's why in the United States, many people think that smoking marijuana is not a big deal."

He warns that those who abuse ecstasy may easily get senile dementia when they get old. But he says at present young people are not well informed on the risks for taking such drugs.

"It's important to let young people know the consequences of taking drugs. Since they are too young to make a correct judgment, their parents should talk to their children about the hazards of drug abuse."

For CRI, I am Xyee.