Databases for Substance Use Research in Hong Kong: An Introduction

This article introduces drug data resources in Hong Kong, with a critical review of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA). It begins by examining the evolution of drug policies from prohibition to rehabilitation, highlighting the contributions of various agencies in data collection. By analyzing academic articles that cite the CRDA from 2010 to 2023, we argue that while the CRDA is recognized for its comprehensive demographic data, it also faces limitations, including underreporting and a lack of detailed information on factors associated with drug use. Despite these challenges, the CRDA remains the most comprehensive official source of drug-related data in Hong Kong, providing valuable insights for researchers and policymakers. To enhance its reliability and applicability, we recommend cross-disciplinary validation of the data, establishing a robust tracking system for individual drug use trajectories, and including diverse demographic and geographic statistics, such as age, ethnicity, and location of drug use, to inform targeted treatment programs.