(ECNS) - Reckless socializing and curiosity are the two main reasons young people take drugs, the China Youth Daily reported Friday, citing a correctional institution.
According to a survey of more than 200 juvenile inmates at Yunnan province's first compulsory-isolation detoxification facility, 55 percent say friendship choices influenced their drug taking, while 33 percent say it was a matter of curiosity.
Only two inmates have taken natural drugs, while all others have consumed synthetic drugs, the "pretty, fashionable appearance" of which is attractive to adolescents, according to an official.
Approximately 463,000 drug addicts were exposed in China in 2014, says Xinhua News Agency. About 18,000 of them were younger than 18 years old, and some 70 percent were between 18 and 35.
Some of the adolescents had limited knowledge about drugs before consuming them. Many addicts say schools do not focus enough on drug safety education, according to the report.
"Our teachers did not lecture us about drugs. The school simply put up a few drug-related posters and that's it," recalls a juvenile addict known as Song Xiao from Qujing city, Yunnan province.
For juvenile drug consumers, correctional institutions should focus on education and nurturing rather than just punishment. Once released back into regular society, the juveniles have a tough road ahead because of prejudice from the general public, experts say.
The correction institution has offered courses and cooperated with a vocational school to provide job training.
