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Elizabeth Cheung

Hooked on drugs since she was 13, Elaine cured her addiction by kicking and punching to upbeat music.
The 25-year-old, who declined to reveal her real name, has finally waved goodbye to drugs after six years in and out of rehabilitation centres.
A kick-boxing course helped to boost her self-confidence and physical health, which facilitated her path to recovery.
"I used to have blood in my urine and stomach aches," said Elaine, who also suffered intense bladder pain due to her addiction to ketamine and cocaine.
"I didn't want to quit drugs at first when I entered rehab centre," she admitted.
But she is gradually returning to a healthy life. "I now go jogging once a week. In the past, I was never associated with sports."
Elaine was among 127 people who attended an eight-week aerobic kick-boxing course during their drug treatment. The classes, held from late 2013 to early this year by North District Hospital in Sheung Shui, were part of a programme funded by the Beat Drugs Fund to promote the benefits of aerobic exercises for drug addicts receiving treatment in the New Territories.
I now go jogging once a week. In the past, I was never associated with sports
Kick-boxer Elaine
The training was found to improve physical and mental health, according to the city's first study on the treatment effects of kick-boxing. Participants also reduced their waistlines, from an average of 76.4cm to 74.6cm.
Erica So Yuen-ching, a physiotherapist at the hospital who also taught in the kick-boxing class, said participants were less likely to suffer depression and anxiety. While a depression index above 18 indicates someone prone to moderate depression, the average index of the participants dropped from 23.6 to 12.4.
"Consistently doing aerobic exercises can improve emotions and make drug rehabilitation easier," said Dr Chan Fu, the hospital's associate consultant in psychiatry. He said kick-boxing was particularly suitable for addicts, who usually had little motivation to even move.
"Kick-boxing is interesting. [It] consists of music and dancing and has aerobic effects," said Chan.
While drug abuse usually leads to mild anxiety and depression, medics hope to use exercise as a way to replace medication in treating patients with emotional problems.
According to studies in the United States, Britain and Hong Kong, sport can enhance the ability of addicts to concentrate, improve their self-confidence and promote drug abstinence.
Elaine, who now works as a peer counsellor in the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers, is able to share her experiences with other young drug addicts in the rehabilitation home. "As long as you are willing, you will be able to overcome the obstacles," she said.


Kick-boxing course helps Hong Kong drug abusers kick the habit

North District Hospital's Erica So (left) and "Elaine", who now shares her experiences with young drug addicts.Photo: Edmond So

News

Hong Kong

Health & Environment

She abused her body for years, then 'Elaine' found a new purpose in life through kick-boxing
