Brief Overview of Substance Abuse History and Treatment in China

           

            Substance abuse treatment has had a long and troubled history in China. The Republic has been cracking down on the abuse of substances in recent years as the import of these illegal drugs has reached an all time high especially in Yunnan Province where drug rates are the highest in the nation (See Data & Stats). Looking back at substance abuse in China's history, the opium epidemics were the start of a strict code of conduct by past governments. The opium rise  of the 17th century is not dissimilar to the troubles China has with substance abuse and out of control drug trade the country has today. Below shows a graph of the steep rise in opium from 1650-1880. This is due to China's proximity to the Golden Triangle. What once  was an opium hotspot, now is a hotspot for heroin production. While the 1950's and a few decades following was a time known for China's staggeringly low rates of substance abuse, that has all changed. However, what has not changed is how substance abuse is looked upon. Today substance abuse is stigmatized, many will not admit that they even have a problem. Subsequently overdose is rampant in China and there isn't much medical professionals can do since many have a lack of expertise in that area. There are also very few hospitals that treat substance abuse or offer recovery, many violators of the strict substance laws in China will be sent to labor camps and take part in reeducation programs instead of receiving medical based treatment, only to relapse later.