CAMPAIGN TARGETS DRUG USE

PUBLIC AWARENESS: The vice minister of health said yesterday that drug
abuse by the nation's youth was rising and more illegal intoxicants are
gaining currency

The Department of Health warned yesterday that drug abuse among the
nation's youth is on the rise.

"There are many indications that the number of young people abusing
substances in our country is on the increase and there are always new
substances being abused," Yang Han-chuan (."o~-u), vice minister of health,
said at a press conference.

Yang was speaking as the department launched its latest campaign to combat
drug abuse among the nation's youth.

The campaign, with the participation of 500 pharmacists, will involve
raising public awareness at high-school campuses and popular entertainment
spots.

The National Bureau of Controlled Drugs said the new program was being
implemented because young people will have more leisure time during their
winter vacations and, therefore, more opportunities to experiment with drugs.

Forty-five outlets of the Internet-cafe chain Aztec Technology ( 3/4O2?
a?a) and 17 Cashbox KTV (?uAdYo.~) karaoke parlors will participate by
promoting anti-drug awareness to their customers. The two companies'
outlets are among the most popular entertainment spots for teenagers.

"From past experience, we know that drug dealers sell drugs at these places
of entertainment to young people who try the drugs under peer pressure,"
Yang said.

The bureau already has four student ambassadors, elected by high- school
students nationwide, who are expected to become "seeds" for the
dissemination of the message that drug abuse can be deadly.

"We hope these ambassadors, who will enjoy the support of their peers, will
effectively disseminate an understanding of the dangers of drugs on
campus," Yang said.

The bureau has also trained over 500 pharmacists across the country to
assist with anti-drug efforts.

"The campaign will be more complete with the contribution of pharmacists
because they are based in every community and have regular contact with
most individuals," said Li Jih-heng (?o?O((i), director- general of the bureau.

Amphetamines and heroin are currently the most widely abused substances in
Taiwan, according to Li.

Li said that each month police arrest 4,000 individuals for abusing
amphetamines or heroin and added that the true number of abusers was likely
to be as high as 40,000.

He said MDMA (Methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine, or Ecstasy), GHB
(gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or Liquid Ecstasy) and ketamine have also become
fashionable in Taiwan.

MDMA and GHB are both illegal. Health authorities are to discuss whether to
list ketamine as a controlled drug to restrict its sale, said Li.

Ketamine is a powerful an-aesthetic which is sold as a liquid in pharmacies
but is also sold as a white powder and in pill form illegally. The drug,
popular among dance-club devotees, can induce hallucinations, among other
things, if taken regularly.

Side-effects include muscle spasms, faintness, blurred vision, respiratory
depression, impaired coordination, amnesia, aggressiveness and paranoia.

MDMA can cause nausea, hallucinations, chills, sweating, muscle cramping
and blurred vision and can be lethal.

GHB induces deep relaxation. Overdoses can cause cardiac arrest or
respiratory problems and can be lethal.