Gov’t sees slight rise in drug dependency cases

Macau recorded 88 drug dependency cases in the first half of 2026, up 3.5% from a year earlier, with young users accounting for a small but growing share, according to the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS).

Two of those registered were under 21, representing 2.3% of the total. The youngest person recorded was 15, while the oldest was 71. The average age was 45.7, while the average age at first drug use fell to 20.3 from 22.6 in the same period last year.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” remained the most widely used illicit drug, accounting for 15.5% of cases. However, its use declined by 7.2 percentage points year-on-year. Heroin followed at 10.3%, while triazolam accounted for 8.2%, compared with no recorded cases in the first half of 2025.

Cannabis and ketamine each represented 3.1% of cases, followed by midazolam at 2.1%. Etomidate, codeine and secobarbital each accounted for 1%. Alcohol was the substance most associated with dependency, making up 50.5% of cases.

Most registered individuals reported using only one type of drug, while 9.1% were dependent on multiple substances. Macau was the main location for drug use, accounting for 81.2% of cases. Meanwhile, the share involving drug use in mainland China rose from 4.3% to 13.9%.

Private homes remained the most common setting for drug use, accounting for 62.9% of cases, followed by friends’ homes at 16.4%. Both figures increased compared with the previous year. Hotels, nightclubs and karaoke venues were also reported as locations of drug use.

Stress relief was the leading reason for drug use, cited in 44.2% of cases, followed by peer influence at 21.1%. Among younger users, reported reasons included attempts to cope with stress, suffering, frustration or depression, as well as family influence.

No needle-sharing cases were recorded, although nearly 10% of those registered reported injecting drugs. Average monthly spending on drugs fell to MOP1,752.30, from MOP2,359.40 a year earlier.

Women accounted for 28.4% of registered cases, while residents made up 93.2% and people of Chinese ethnicity 95.5%.

The Central Registry of Drug Dependents gathers information from 28 government departments and community organisations. The IAS said the data is used to support anti-drug policymaking and service planning while protecting individuals’ privacy.

The registry recorded 132 new cases in 2025, down 10.8% year-on-year. The IAS said drug dependency remained at a relatively low level compared with the previous five years, although concealed drug use continued to be a concern. There were also 418 requests for drug rehabilitation assistance last year, including 46 new cases, down 30% from 2024.