Chinese teens are turning to mind-numbing drugs to 'run away from reality'
Students are seeking prescription drugs because they fear failure, a teen tells the BBC.
Chinese high school students are turning to prescription drugs to escape the pressures of academic life, according to reports. At just 14 years old, Xiaomei, a student from a coastal province, began overdosing on cough medication after being told it would help her relax. She found the drug gave her a "slight numb sensation," providing a temporary escape from the stress of exams and family conflicts.
Xiaomei, along with dozens of other Chinese teens, admitted to the BBC that they used these drugs to "run away from reality." The drugs, often purchased online, include various prescription medications for pain and neurological conditions. Authorities have attempted to curb this trend by restricting access to certain substances, but teenagers have quickly found alternative drugs to purchase.
The government launched a nationwide crackdown on a popular cough suppressant, classifying it as a psychotropic drug. However, young people have continued to find new ways to obtain and misuse these drugs. Some experts suggest that the isolation and intense competition faced by Chinese teens, particularly in elite academic environments, contribute to this troubling trend.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
