Utility theory and adolescent drug abusers in Hong Kong

Young people who have a positive attitude towards drug abuse are more likely to be involved in drug abuse behaviour than those who do not, according to research undertaken among 77 young people at risk in Hong Kong. An analysis of individual items of perceived costs and benefits of drug abuse indicates that some costs were not taken into account by current drug abusers and some benefits were exaggerated by many young people who had never previously taken drugs. It seems advisable for initiatives designed to reduce drug abuse to focus on boosting awareness of the real and hidden costs of drug abuse.