HONG KONG (SE): During the anti-drugs carnival organised by MercyHK at Arthur Street Temporary Playground in Yau Ma Tei on March 1 , young people recovering from drug addiction shared their stories, urging others to steer clear of similar pitfalls.
Kei recounted how he was enticed into drug use by the perceived glamorous lifestyles of others and peer pressure. He saw friends taking drugs at karaoke parties and tried cocaine himself after a night of heavy drinking. What began as a brief escape and hallucinations soon escalated into severe addiction, job loss and, ultimately, drug dealing, which resulted in his arrest by police.
After serving two and a half years in prison, Kei experienced a brief relapse upon release and became estranged from his family. A chance connection with MercyHK—facilitated by a fellow inmate and the Social Welfare Department—offered a lifeline. At MercyHK, he found support and was inspired by volunteers helping those in need. Through volunteering and living at MercyHK, Kei rebuilt his life and now plans to enrol in a pet grooming course. He expressed gratitude for the help he received, saying it allowed him to move beyond his past mistakes. He remains committed to helping others and following the teachings of Jesus.
Kaif, a young man from Pakistan, spoke about the pressures he faced growing up in Hong Kong, which drove him to use drugs to escape academic stress. The addiction disrupted his studies and left him emotionally numb. After failing his public exams, Kaif realised he needed help and reached out to MercyHK. Volunteering there, he learned about the dangers of drugs and was motivated to distance himself from damaging influences. With encouragement from social workers, he returned to his studies and is now in his final semester at university, aspiring to become a social worker.
Kaif advised young people, especially those from minority backgrounds, to say “no” to drugs, emphasising that the apparent allure of drug use conceals its destructive consequences.
The carnival also featured performances by a Nepali band, homeless musicians, and a youth band from the Caritas Wong Yiu Nam Centre. Located in Sai Kung, the centre offers residential treatment and counselling for male drug users aged 35 and under. The youth band was formed as part of the recovery process, helping members rebuild their identities through music.
