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China's drug users grow at lower pace

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-24 10:49

BEIJING: Due to effective narcotic control, the annual growth rate of drug users in China has decreased from peak 30 percent in the 1990s to present 5.6 percent, according to China's National Narcotics Control Commission (CNNCC).

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Official statistics show, the registered drug users in China total 1.22 million by the end of June this year. Of the total number, male drug users account for 85.1 percent, and female constitutes the remainers.

About 945,000 drug addicts, or 77.6 percent of the total, consume heroin. About 47.8 percent addicts are using new types of drugs. The number is rising "comparatively fast", a CNNCC official said.

New type drug users are mainly under the age of 35. A growing number of self-employed bosses, singers and film stars also joined the rank.

China has set up 17 professional rehabilitation centers to help drug addicts quit and avoid relapses.

Some 55.4 percent of heroin addicts have received treatment and education on quitting drugs, and about 60,000 have been staying away from drugs for more than three years.