"Boundaries of the Heart, Life First" When drugs disguise themselves as "e-cigarettes" or "smart pills" to infiltrate our daily life and youthful curiosity meets hidden dangers, how can we build an unbreakable defence for teenagers? On 23rd April, Pui Kiu Xinyi School invited the Longhua District Anti-Drug Office to give the students a lecture named "Boundaries of the Heart, Upholding the Self". Through real-life cases, the lecture exposed the horrors of drugs and armed students with scientific knowledge, planting the seed of "life first" in their minds through shock and reflection.

Chapter 1: Opening Ceremony—Building a United Anti-Drug Frontline

1. Warning: When "Trendy Toys" Mask Drug Traps

"An e-cigarette you think is harmless might hide drugs; a 'milk tea' you accept could contain synthetic cannabinoids." When the minty scent of e-cigarettes masks etomidate poisoning your nervous system, or tapioca pearls in a milk tea cup mix with synthetic cannabinoids to create a deadly vortex—this covert war targeting teenagers, disguised as "fashion" and "trends", demands our urgent action.

2. Ceremony: Safeguarding Youth's Growth, Dreaming of a Drug-Free Society

In the school auditorium, a relay to protect the future began. Principal WONG Tang Tat Tommy presented a certificate engraved with the school's emblem to the Anti-Drug Office, which reciprocated with a "Cantonese Tiger"-themed ornament. At this moment, anti-drug education merged with campus guardianship, building a cognitive barrier against drugs for Greater Bay Area youth.

Chapter 2: The Shadow of Drugs—Unmasking Their True Face

"What are drugs?" A student answered, "Things that are addictive and illegal." Police officer ZHU nodded and added, "But drugs are far more insidious."

1. Definition: Legal and Scientific Judgement

Under Article 357 of the Criminal Law, drugs include not only notorious substances like opium and heroin but also controlled pharmaceuticals. A "Blue Smurf" pill (flunitrazepam) can cause memory loss; a "stamp" (LSD) may induce hallucinations for hours. Even prescription drug abuse, such as tramadol, counts as drug use. "Ignorance is no excuse under the law," Officer ZHU emphasised.

2. Categories: From Opium to "Designer Drugs"

(1)Traditional Drugs: Opium, heroin, cannabis—plant-derived substances that trade fleeting euphoria for physical ruin.

(2)Synthetic Drugs: Meth, ketamine, ecstasy—chemical compounds attacking the central nervous system, risking bladder atrophy or psychosis.

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): GHB ("liquid ecstasy"), synthetic cannabinoids—structurally modified to evade regulation, more toxic and covert. "They are 'laboratory demons' designed to prey on curiosity."

Chapter 3: The Agony of Addiction—Consequences of Drugs

"A drug user's brain is a hijacked carnival." Officer ZHU used VR simulations to show students hallucinations: distorted spaces, terrifying shadows. The audience held their breath.

1.Physical Toll: From "Happy Chemicals" to a Living Death

Dopamine surges and crashes fuel addiction. Drugs forcibly activate the brain's reward system, flooding it beyond natural limits. Withdrawal causes endorphin depletion, leaving the body in agony—only relapse offers temporary relief. "This is a one-way road: curiosity at the entrance, hell at the end."

2.Social Impact: One Addict, Three Generations Suffer

Officer ZHU shared a case: a student paralysed by nitrous oxide abuse returned home in a wheelchair, her mother collapsing in tears. Worse, addicts bear lifelong stigma—police checks during travel, job rejections, children barred from civil service exams. "You think you're ruining only yourself? No—it's a family, even generations."

Chapter 4: Building Defences—How to Stay Drug-Free

"Refusal requires wisdom and courage." Officer ZHU taught "Three Anti-Drug Tactics":

1. Cut Off Temptation

• Never try even once—the floodgates of addiction cannot be closed.

• Beware "soft drugs": cough syrup or diet pills may hide addictive substances.

• Choose friends wisely: avoid drug-related groups and peer-pressure traps.

2. Arm Yourself with Knowledge

• Spot disguises: murky e-liquid or unlabelled packaging? Stay alert!

• Know legal redlines: smuggling one "stamp" = a crime; hosting drug use = up to 3 years in prison.

• International laws: overseas "legal cannabis" is illegal upon entry.

3. Seek Redemption

If trapped:

• Ensure safety first, then call police.

• Embrace professional rehab: detox and psychological recovery.

Chapter 5: A Collective Responsibility—Safeguarding Our Community

Anti-drug efforts require society-wide action. Shenzhen's Anti-Drug Regulations extend "prevention-control-punishment" to every corner:

• Schools: Integrate anti-drug education into curricula; use VR for immersive learning.

• Families: Prioritise communication over blame.

• Society: Report drug-related activities to strengthen justice.

In closing, Officer ZHU pointed to a slide: "Your every refusal is the strongest backup for anti-drug police." Students erupted in applause, signing a "Drug-Free Pledge Wall" with vows: "Cherish life, never touch drugs!"

Conclusion

Drugs are fiercer than tigers; youth is more precious than gold. Pui Kiu Xinyi School uses education as a shield and law as a sword. May every student carry a beacon of clarity, shun shadows, and stride toward the stars under the sun's light.

Author: Moral and National Education Department (Sec)