A recent survey by the Hong Kong Christian Service has found that half of drug users wait years before seeking help, and many downplay the negative effects of drug abuse.

The organisation polled 304 drug users between September and November, and found that 55 percent only sought treatment after using drugs for more than three years.

Almost 40 percent claimed that drug use had no negative impact on their lives, and the youngest drug abuser was just nine years old.

Michael Ng, the group’s service supervisor, said people might be reluctant to seek help because of the stigma associated with drug use.

“Sometimes it's a health issue. They cannot find any health issue in their body, or maybe they were not aware of the mental illness issue. The second point is they don't want to [publicly tell] their story,” he said.

Researchers also found that around nine percent of respondents reported using "space oil" - a regulated sedative typically inhaled through vapes.

Psychiatrist Dr Matthew Wong said long-term use of space oil could cause irreversible damage.

“When someone is using the drug repeatedly and also receiving a high dose, that will cause damage in the brain cells and also cause some irreversible chemical imbalance in the brain,” he said.

“That will bring all sorts of physical and mental problems the patient would be suffering from.”

The group called for more prevention education in schools and more accessible support channels to help people tackle drug addiction.