Alarming rise in space oil abuse among youth: Detox center reveals shocking statistics

A drug detoxification center has revealed 10 percent of its 500 cases involve individuals abusing “space oil,” with half of these cases being underage, the youngest at just 12 years old.

The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CROSS Centre conducted a poll of over 1,600 citizens between September and December last year, revealing that half of the respondents were under 15, with 80 percent being students. 

Alarmingly, nearly 30 percent of those surveyed were unaware of the harmful effects of space oil.

Primarily consumed through vaping, misconceptions abound regarding its ingredients: only 27.9 percent correctly identified etomidate as the main component, while 45 percent mistakenly believed it contained nicotine, and 27 percent thought it included synthetic cannabinoids.

The center identified curiosity, peer pressure, and stress relief as the primary reasons for trying the drug. 
Encouragingly, about 70 percent of respondents supported stricter enforcement and penalties against space oil, alongside enhanced anti-drug education in schools.

Jessica Chan Kit-wah, a service supervisor at TWGHS, said the urgent need for greater public awareness and stronger support systems for young drug users. 

A review of 526 ongoing drug abuse cases revealed that 12.5 percent -- 66 individuals -- had used space oil, with over 60 percent starting their use last year. 

More than half of these individuals were under 18, while only 20 percent sought treatment voluntarily, with the remainder referred through schools or outreach services.

One 15-year-old boy, known as Shing, shared his experience of first trying space oil in June last year due to peer pressure. 

He quickly fell into addiction, using the drug daily. 

Shing reported significant health impacts, including irritability, memory loss, and blackouts; he was hospitalized after being unconscious for six hours. 

Despite successfully quitting, he continues to struggle with concentration and memory issues.

Brenda Chung Yin-ting, senior section manager of the TWGHS Community Services Division, called on the government to address misconceptions about space oil circulating on social media. 

She urged the community to improve mental health support for young people and enhance training for parents, schools, and the public to identify potential drug abuse.

The rising trend of space oil abuse among youth demands immediate attention and coordinated action from all sectors of society. 

(Charlotte Lam)