Hong Kong group helping city’s cocaine addicts to kick the habit

Cocaine Anonymous has been helping Hong Kong users to overcome their addictions since 2002.

They describe themselves as a “fellowship” in which users try to help themselves and support others. The only requirement to join is for the member to have a desire to kick their habit and stop using any mind-altering substances.

Hong Kong CA members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and professions. And in recent years, the number of women who have joined the group has continued to rise.

However, local Chinese make up a smaller proportion of the group. One member said the stigma around drug addiction and having a mental health problem in Chinese culture was perhaps the reason for fewer Chinese members.

“Chinese families often try to take care of problems in their own homes,” he said.

Some members have developed a cocaine addiction since they began living in Hong Kong, while others gave up their habit years ago and are trying to stay clean. The group meets for one hour three times a week in the Mid-Levels. During their meetings, they progress through the programme’s 12 Steps.