NCJ Number
158883
Date Published
1995
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report provides statistics and information on all persons admitted to the Hong Kong drug treatment program in 1994.
Abstract
The drug addiction treatment centre program is operated by the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department under the provisions of the Drug Addiction Treatment Centres Ordinance enacted in 1969. The program has a significant role in providing residential treatment for convicted drug dependents while offering the courts an alternative to sending a drug dependent to prison. The program aims at the total rehabilitation of drug dependents, thereby helping them to lead a drug-free and useful life. The treatment involves three phases, the restoration of physical health, removal of psychological and emotional dependence on drugs, and reintegration into the community. The information provided in this report relates to the personal attributes and attainments of treatment participants. Data address age on admission, place of birth, educational attainment, occupation, marital status, living arrangements, district of residence, and type of accommodation. Data on the addiction process focus on age at first drug intake, causation claimed and peer association at first drug intake, drugs used, the daily cost of drugs, the method of taking drugs, the procurement of drugs by district, and the length of drug dependence. Data on criminal history pertain to gang affiliation, age at first conviction, first offense, previous convictions, previous institutional sentences, and current offense. There were 2,452 persons admitted to the compulsory placement program in 1994, an 18-percent increase over 1993. This increase was largely attributable to a significant increase in the number of young persons admitted during the year. 25 tables and 9 figures