Drug abuse in high schools and vocational schools in Taiwan is on the rise

According to reports from Taiwanese media on October 24, recent statistics reveal an alarming increase in drug abuse cases within Taiwan’s medical institutions. As of July this year, the usage of substances such as morphine, marijuana, and ecstasy has risen compared to the same period last year, with drug abuse among students showing a concerning upward trend. Specifically, between January and June of this year, there was a 14% increase in reported drug abuse cases among high school and vocational students.

Various Taiwanese news sources, including United Daily News and China Times, have noted that Taiwan classifies drugs into four categories based on their addictive potential, abuse potential, and societal harm, with Category One being the most severe. In recent years, Taiwan has faced challenges not only from emerging drug threats but also from ongoing issues related to general substance abuse.

Data indicates that from January to June this year, reported cases of the so-called “Category Three drugs,” including ketamine and FM2, reached 197—marking a 10.1% increase compared to last year. Meanwhile, cases involving drugs from other categories saw a decline.

When examining the data based on educational stages, the reported drug abuse cases in Taiwan between January and June showed four instances at the elementary level, 85 at the junior high level, 106 at the high school and vocational level, and 52 at higher education institutions. Notably, the number of cases among high school and vocational students rose by 14% year-on-year.

In response to these troubling statistics, experts have expressed deep concern about the impact of drug use on students, emphasizing the potential long-term effects on their cognitive functions and overall educational development. They urge the authorities to take these issues seriously.

A Taiwanese legislator also highlighted that the anesthetic drug etomidate, categorized as “Category Three,” has quietly infiltrated school campuses, raising significant public safety concerns and posing risks to the mental and physical health of students. They called for enhanced information sharing and preventative measures from government agencies to safeguard children against drug threats.