Early identification of drug abuse is so important

The Action Committee Against Narcotics launched the public consultation on the Rescue drug-testing scheme in September. It hopes the scheme [extending police powers for drug testing] will enhance early identification of drug abusers.

At present, individuals may have had a long history of abuse before they are identified as being drug users.

The police's hands are tied as even if drugs are seized and people suspected of having taken drugs are identified, officers cannot take further action since those concerned would not provide bodily samples. From 2011 to 2012, there were 140 cases of dangerous drug seizures at entertainment venues without an arrest being made.

I have devoted most of my life to serving drug abusers, and have witnessed how destructive such abuse can be. The longer the drug history, the more serious and even irreversible the body and brain damage is. Early identification is vital in fighting this battle so society does not have to bear a bigger social cost. We are racing against time.

I see drug abuse as a highly dangerous infectious disease. It can be fatal and drug abusers induce others to follow suit. The World Health Organisation also agrees that drug abuse is like an epidemic.

A study conducted in the Christian Zheng Sheng College reveals that most students had lured more than five others to abuse drugs.