Young people with addictions ranging from drugs to the internet are being offered Hong Kong's first one-stop service for their problems.
The youth wellness centre, aimed at those aged 10 to 35, has been set up at Tuen Mun Hospital by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hospital Authority.
Social workers and psychologists at the centre co-operate with psychiatrists and other therapists to provide tailor-made and one-stop assessment, rehabilitation and consultation services for young people with addictive tendencies.
The centre aims to handle cases of addiction, including drugs, gambling, alcohol and tobacco in the first year. Services are free initially.
Of the 15 referred cases so far, the clients are aged 12 to 25. Most have a drug addiction, while the rest are internet addicts.
Federation executive director Rosanna Wong Yick-ming said physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of the addiction were assessed.