Underaged using space oil while detoxing

Charlotte Lam

A drug detoxification center has found that 12.5 percent of its 526 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 people between September and December, with half of the respondents under 15 and 80 percent being students.

Nearly 30 percent were unaware of the harmful effects of space oil.

Primarily consumed through vaping, misconceptions abound regarding its main ingredient: 27.9 percent correctly identified it as etomidate while 45 percent thought it was nicotine and 27 percent that it was synthetic cannabinoids.

Curiosity, peer pressure and stress relief were the primary reasons for trying it.

About 70 percent backed stricter enforcement and penalties, alongside enhanced anti-drug education in schools.

Service supervisor Jessica Chan Kit-wah said need for greater awareness and stronger support systems for young drug users is urgent. Of the 12.5 percent, or 66 people, who had used space oil, more than 60 percent started last year. More than half were under 18, while 20 percent sought treatment voluntarily, with the rest referred by schools or outreach services.

A 15-year-old, Shing, said he first tried space oil in June due to peer pressure and that it quickly became a daily habit.

Shing reported significant health impacts, including irritability, memory loss and blackouts; he was hospitalized after being unconscious for six hours. Despite 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 administration to address misconceptions about space oil circulating on social media.