Chinese teenagers are reportedly turning to prescription drugs, often acquired online, as a means to cope with intense academic pressure and "run away from reality." These medications, which are not prescribed to them, are being used to achieve a "pharmaceutical high" and provide a temporary escape from stress.
Stories from various social media platforms reveal that students are seeking drugs for a range of ailments, including pain relief and epilepsy treatment. Some teens describe experiencing dizziness and a feeling of detachment from their bodies. The BBC has documented numerous accounts from young people who use these substances to manage the anxiety associated with poor exam performance or conflicts with parents.
One 14-year-old student, identified as Xiaomei, recounted purchasing cough medication online without a prescription. Initially seeking a way to relax and impress an older peer, she found herself hooked on the numbing sensation the drug provided. Over two years, she escalated her use, consuming large quantities of various prescription drugs bought over the internet to alleviate the pressure of her studies. She told the BBC that "When I felt too much pressure from my studies, or I didn't do well at exams, or even when I quarrelled with my parents, I would take these drugs."
Chat groups on social media platforms serve as forums where teenagers share tips on obtaining and using these medications. Users discuss keywords for online searches and share advice on achieving desired effects, including hallucinations, by consuming drugs meant for conditions like Parkinson's disease. The ease of access to these medications online is a recurring theme in these discussions.
The backdrop to this trend is the immense pressure placed on Chinese students, particularly in the lead-up to high-stakes examinations like the National College Entrance Exam, often referred to as the "gaokao." Images of students engaging in last-minute studies or seeking stress relief through activities like yoga before exams highlight the competitive academic environment. The pursuit of academic success in China is a significant source of stress for many young people, leading some to seek unconventional coping mechanisms.
Some of the drugs being misused, when taken in large doses, can lead to severe side effects such as hallucinations, impaired coordination, confusion, and delirium. Despite these risks, the allure of a temporary escape from pressure appears to be driving the trend among some adolescents.
The phenomenon underscores a growing concern about adolescent mental health and the impact of societal pressures on young people. Online platforms, while offering connection, also appear to facilitate access to potentially dangerous substances and foster communities where harmful coping mechanisms are shared.