# Chinese teenagers misuse prescription drugs to ‘escape reality’

https://mins.news/en/item/32671

- BBC Chinese, 2026-08-26 06:12 UTC
- Health
- Original: https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/cx2z5jnkv2eo/trad?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> BBC reports that Chinese teenagers are buying and misusing prescription medicines online to numb themselves amid academic, exam and family pressure. Although authorities have tightened controls, young people continue turning to substitute drugs. Experts say the response should focus more on a growing mental-health crisis and support for adolescents.

## Related coverage

- [Chinese teens turn to mind-numbing drugs to ‘run away from reality’](https://mins.news/en/item/32895) — BBC News, 2026-08-25