Chinese Teens Turn to Prescription Drugs to Cope with Academic Pressure
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Chinese Teens Turn to Prescription Drugs to Cope with Academic Pressure
- Chinese authorities reported a 41% fall in newly identified drug users under 35 in 2025, but misuse of prescription drugs, particularly among minors, is a growing concern.
- In May 2024, China tightened controls on dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, by classifying it as a Category II Psychotropic Drug due to its misuse by teenagers.
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Chinese teenagers are increasingly misusing prescription drugs, including cough medicine and neuropathic pain medication, as a way to cope with intense academic pressure and mental health struggles. This trend is occurring despite a reported 41% decrease in newly identified drug users under 35 in 2025, with authorities acknowledging a surge in prescription drug misuse among minors.
Academic stress, fueled by high expectations from parents and teachers and intense competition, is a primary factor contributing to this issue. Students often report feeling overwhelmed by academic workload, exams, and the pressure to succeed in a system that offers limited tolerance for underperformance. This environment can lead to significant psychological strain, with some studies indicating that Chinese students may experience higher rates of mental health issues compared to their international counterparts. For instance, a 2022 report found that approximately 21.48% of college students in China experience depression, and 45.28% suffer from anxiety.
One commonly misused substance has been dextromethorphan (DXM), an active ingredient in many cough suppressants. While once considered non-addictive and sold over-the-counter, its misuse for its dissociative and euphoric effects led China to reclassify it as a prescription drug in 2021 and ban its online sale in 2022. In May 2024, further restrictions were imposed, placing it in the national catalog of Category II Psychotropic Drugs. However, as controls on DXM have tightened, some young people have reportedly shifted to other readily available alternatives, such as pregabalin, a drug used for neuropathic pain and anxiety. These drugs are often obtained through online platforms and social media, with some users sharing tips on how to acquire and use them to achieve a “pharmaceutical high.”
The misuse of these substances can have serious physical and psychological consequences, including dependency, addiction, and various health problems. Experts emphasize the need for stricter controls on prescription drug sales to minors, enhanced enforcement against illegal online distribution, and earlier mental health interventions in schools to address the underlying issues of academic pressure, depression, and anxiety among students.