THE rising number of young people using heroin and other substances and the drowning of a teenager last year whilst under the influence of solvents are indeed of concern to everyone. Whilst the Government justifiably spends millions each year on trying to prevent these substances entering Hong Kong, and on the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users, it is also appropriate that more resources be made available for preventive education. This needs to be integrated into every school's curriculum from primary onwards, not as an hourly session each year on drugs. Preventive drug education is about living a healthy life and making healthy lifestyle decisions. Teachers need to be trained about drug education so that they can competently use the materials which have been provided. Without such training the programmes will sit on the shelves and without encouragement from the Department of Education there will be no incentive to push something else into an already busy curriculum. The Community Drug Advisory Council (CDAC), a charitable organisation, seeks to continue training teachers in the techniques of preventive drug education, so that they are confident and credible when they are dealing with this subject. Dr J. E. GILLETT Chairman Community Drug Advisory Council
