TNAG-0416-FCO40-462-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 76

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and easy money available by working as a dance hostess or bar girl is an

ever present threat to rehabilitation. Most of the girls formerly worked

in such occupations and in the rehabilitation phase they can only be offered employment on a salary scale far less than they previously enjoyed.

Added to this, the type of work they are called upon to do is much harder

than that which they did previously. The problem of illegitimate children,

and in some cases the necessity to return home to an environment in which

a husband may well be a drug user, are difficulties which have to be faced.

Common law husbands and, in some cases, attachments to two men

create an unusual situation, often due to former involvement in prostitution.

THE LOK HEEP CLUB

The staff of the treatment centres became increasingly aware that the problem of re-adjustment for former drug dependent after leaving a

treatment centre was difficult and hazardous. While a major point is reached in the treatment and rehabilitation process when a man or woman leaves a treatment centre the goal of complete rehabilitation has still

not been reached for the person concerned must be able to function

efficiently within the community without the use of drugs. Unfortunately there are many cases of persons who, having made an effort to improve

themselves and succeeded in doing so, to some degree surrender all in less than a minute through a mere puff of heroin or a shot in the arm.

To remain drug free in a controlled environment is one thing to sustain it without the aid of controls except one's own will is another. While psychological dependence can be overcome it would be a very bold statement to say it can be cured; certainly with effort it can be conquered

but in most cases, if not all it lurks around like a cobra ready to strike.

To assist treated drug dependents to overcome some of their difficulties particularly in the initial stages just after discharge from a treatment centre the Lok Heep Club was formed operating under the auspices of Caritas Hong Kong it aims to assist and encourage persons previously drug dependent to remain abstinent, to enable them to regain self-confidence

and assume a responsible role within the family and towards society as a whole, and to foster mutual co-operation, assistance and friendship among

members.