"Looking back, I think I looked horrible like neither a man nor a ghost. I didn't think about the effects when I started. Yet, hardships came later. Once you are addicted to that stuff, a lot of money is required. I was involved in thefts and drug-trafficking to get money for drugs," he said. Mr. Ng, 42, gradually realized his life would not last long. So he went to a drug rehabilitation centre.

"I am now confident enough to accept myself and even share my experience with other drug addicts," said Mr. Ng, who, when he was addicted, was afraid to discuss his experiences with others, even other addicts. "I have changed so much. My temper is better and I have made many new friends."

There are an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 drug addicts in the Territory. But not all of them are as lucky as Mr. Ng. Most drug addicts are addicted to heroin. The rest use other narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.

To help addicts to turn a new leaf, various rehabilitation services are provided by the government and volunteer organizations. Ling Oi Youth Centre in Sha Tin, where Mr. Ng is staying, provides a home for drug addicts while they undergo recovery. It emphasizes religious programmes. The Correctional Services Department, which runs an addiction treatment centre for men on Hei Ling Chau, is another shelter. For women there are the Tai Lam Centre for Women and the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution.

Being the largest voluntary agency in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers, the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers treated some 50,000 admissions in 1993, according to its annual report. The half-way houses and two voluntary in-patient treatment centres run by the society provide comprehensive care.

According to Mr. Fong Fu Kin, a placement social worker in the Shek Kwu Chau Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, newly admitted residents undergo a four-week treatment until they kick their habits. "Upon completion of the withdrawal process, they may choose either to leave or to enter another programme designed to promote their physical recovery and psycho-social rehabilitation," said Mr. Fong. "Those who choose to stay will be allocated to one of the 13 self-managing units where work therapy is used," he said. In these units, the inmates are assigned to jobs like farming, carpentry, metal working, tailoring, laundry, baking and so on. "The residents are self-subsistent in a production unit. Also, their time is occupied, and a sense of belonging is created. They can spend their leisure time on sports and recreational activities such as basketball, badminton, football, singing and watching video tapes," he said.

For those who do not enter the rehabilitation centres, the most common way of kicking a drug addiction is by taking methadone. A voluntary methadone treatment programme has been provided by the Department of Health since 1972. There are now 22 methadone clinics in the Territory. According to Ms Susanne Yeung, executive officer of the Narcotics and Drug Administration, there are two types of treatment offered in the clinics. The first one is detoxification, in which the dosage of the methadone is reduced gradually over a period of time until the patient is completely off it. The second type is maintenance, in which the patient takes a stable dose of methadone daily as long as it is necessary. "The clinics also refer cases to SARDA (Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers) for counseling services as well as institutional treatment," she said.

Despite the variety and extent of the rehabilitation services in the Territory, the number of drop-outs is still very great. Mr. Fong said family support is critical. "Care and support from family members are essential during the abstinence period. Addicts will easily give up if emotional support from them is lacking," he said. Counseling is vital, too. "Social workers and friends can help re-build their self-image and confidence. The public should show more concern to the drug addicts," he said.

Concern and encouragement from others does help. The experience of Mr. Newman Cheung, a 53-year- old ex-drug abuser, shows that "love can heal". "I was put into prison more than 10 times," said Mr. Cheung. "I tried to give up drugs every time I was released. But it always ended in failure."

Mr. Cheng shares his experience with others in the Centre.

Mr. Cheung even attempted suicide by injecting heroin into his body. "It was not until 1981 that I successfully got rid of my drug addiction. Care and concern from the nurses helped a lot during my seven months in Heaven of Hope Hospital in Junk Bay," he said. Mr. Cheung now works in the Ling Oi Youth Centre to help drug addicts.

Mr. Ng suggests that prevention is better than treatment. For drugs, it is best simply to "say no". Being an ex-addict, Mr. Ng advises others never to fall into the trap of experimenting with drugs. "If I had one more chance at life, I would never try taking drugs. It is not worthwhile at all", said Mr. Ng firmly.