The topic at a glance:
- Dealing with an addiction problem in Singapore still involves a significant social stigma. This makes it much harder for those of us seeking an escape from alcohol or drug abuse.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Medical Association (AMA) describe addiction as a type of illness – there is nothing to feel ashamed about.
- There is a severe shortage of addiction treatment options in Singapore, but there are some viable options.
Addiction and Social Stigma in Singapore
If you have developed an addiction problem, you may be unsure about where to turn to for addiction treatment in Singapore. There tends to be great deal of shame and embarrassment surrounding this type of problem. This is especially likely to be the case if you are living in a place like Singapore where addiction still involves a significant social stigma.
The reality is, there is nothing to be ashamed about if you are dealing with an addiction problem. Prestigious sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and American Medical Association (AMA) describe addiction as a type of illness. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAD) defines it as:
…a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.
The Challenges Facing People Dealing with Addiction Problems in Singapore
A 2012 report by the Central Narcotics Bureau provides some depressing reading. Despite having some of the harshest penalties in the world for drug dealing, the situation in Singapore is spiralling out of control.
Between 2011 and 2012, there was an increase in arrests of drug users of 5 per cent. The police can put a positive-spin on this by saying it proves they are getting better at dealing with this type of crime, but similar trends in other parts of the world suggest this is likely to be a misguided conclusion. The numbers of arrests are rising due to a dramatic increase in drug use.
The Singaporean Misuse of Drugs Act has been described as ‘draconian’ because it tends to penalize those who are dealing with addiction problems. The threshold for trafficking is so low that even someone with a ‘modest habit’ could be convicted of this crime. The punishment for trafficking can involve canning, a prison sentence, or the death penalty. Even a person who is in the same location as other people using drugs can be convicted under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Whether it’s Alcohol or drugs that is the issue, Singapore’s conservative attitude is equally as punitive when facing the law.
Punishing the Victims of Addiction is Unfair and Doesn’t Work
Penalizing people for being addicted to drugs makes as much sense as penalizing them for being a diabetic. Addiction takes hold of a person’s mind, so it becomes harder for them to make good decisions. Nobody chooses to end up this way, and this is why such people need rehabs in Singapore and not jails or beatings.
Dealing with a drug addiction in Singapore can be especially tough because there is such a stigma associated with this behaviour. Even those who have become dependent on prescription medication can feel too ashamed to admit it. This means that while there are some rehabs in Singapore, people feel reluctant to use them – this is understandable considering the situation there.
There is no evidence of the government softening its approach toward those who are caught up in addiction, and this makes life hard for rehabs in Singapore. It doesn’t matter if these facilities hire competent therapists and provide quality resources because there are so many other factors working against recovery in this part of the world.
Hello Simon and Team,
I am doing well and soon it will be one year for me in recovery. I’m feeling great and what a difference from my days gone by.
I am not saying that recovery is all a bed of roses. I experienced some strong cravings earlier this year whilst waiting for a plane with people drinking Champagne all around me, but some chocolate and a soft drink later and a quick self reminder of the consequences of having just one drink was enough to keep me sober for another day and night.
I’m writing you from Bangkok Airport, on my way back home to Singapore after playing in a golf tournament this week-end. Weather, food & people were great as was my golf. Better than ever!
Simon I am most thankful to you for your guidance & support on behalf of myself and family. Thank-you also Alon and Paul for introducing me to meditation & yoga which I practice daily. It has changed me into a mellow humble person and I have found so much peace in myself.
Again, best wishes to you and Hope, please keep in touch as it’s always nice to hear from you.
Yours truly, GH – Singapore
Addiction Help in Singapore
There is a severe shortage of addiction treatment options in Singapore. If you are in need of rehab (and many of us with addiction problems need this kind of help), you may be out of luck.
Some sources worth considering if you are looking for addiction help in Singapore would include:
Fellowship meetings (e.g. AA or NA) can be a great way to maintain your recovery long-term, but it can be hard to break free of addiction without some type of inpatient program. This is especially likely to be true if you have been using alcohol or drugs for a long time or you are dealing with other issues such as chronic anxiety or depression. The benefits of going to rehab is that it means you can be helped through the most difficult stage of recovery, and you will be able to put your full attention on developing new strategies for ensuring a better future.
Thailand Provides Sanctuary for Singaporeans Looking for Rehab Help
If you, or somebody you care about, are struggling due to an addiction problem, you need an environment that is supportive, non-judgemental, and nurturing. If you limit your options to rehabs in Singapore, you may not get what you need. The chance to recover is a precious opportunity that might never come again, so you need to choose the path that is most likely to lead to recovery.
Hope Rehab in Thailand provides a different approach to addiction than what is available in Singapore. Rehabs in Singapore are certainly not what you may expect, and for people with addiction problems there are very few options when it comes to finding a suitable rehab center. Without a doubt Singapore is one of the most exciting cities in the world; however it can also be a tough place to live if you are dealing with an addiction problem.
The system is aimed more towards punishing drug users than helping them, and it is for this reason that so many Singaporeans are now travelling to Thailand for help with substance abuse problem.
Hope Rehab Thailand for Those Struggling with an Addiction Problem in Singapore
Most of us struggle when it comes to making changes in our life, and this challenge is going to be even tougher if there is a physical or psychological addiction involved. We provide you with a sanctuary here at Hope Rehab Center, so can you begin to repair your life. You’ll have access to all of the most effective treatments and other resources you need to help you recover.
One of the reasons some of our Singaporean clients decide to travel to Thailand instead of staying at one of the rehabs in Singapore, is the desire to get help anonymously. You don’t have anything to feel ashamed about, but there may be practical reasons to keep this information under wraps – perhaps you are worried that should your addiction problems become public knowledge, it might harm their reputation or career. You don’t have to tell anyone at home why you are coming to Thailand if you don’t want to, and your privacy will be fully protected during your stay.
Singapore is a fabulous country, and there are so many things about it we admire, but we feel concerned about the societal attitude towards addiction there. Many of our team have needed to deal with their own substance abuse problems, so we understand how challenging this can all be. This is why if you are unable to get what you need from rehabs in Singapore; we want you to come here to us.
If you are interested in our program please contact us as soon as possible and we will guide you through the admissions process.
Other Topics That Might Interest You
Am I Too Old For Rehab?
Can we be too old for rehab? In this post we examine legitimate age-related concerns while also explaining why it is never too late for second-chances in life.
Rehab Ready – Who Is Most Likely to Succeed?
Not everyone who goes to rehab will achieve long-term recovery. It is not just a matter of luck though. We examine here why some people are more likely to succeed than others.
Comforting or Challenging: Finding The Balance Between Luxury and Simplicity in Rehab
Finding the most suitable rehab program can be a bit like tuning a guitar. If it is tuned too tightly the string might break, but if it is too loose, it becomes impossible to play.
Toxic Love – How Poisonous Relationships Can Destroy Mental Health
A toxic relationship can be a bit like drinking contaminated water. It may seem to quench our thirst, but it is also making us sick.
The Hidden Impact of Attachment Styles on Relationships
An insecure attachment style can be like a bucket full of holes. It doesn’t matter how much water you put in there, the bucket continues to feel empty.
Singing Bowl Therapy
Sound therapy is based on the idea that vibration is a foundational principle of our universe. We can use sound as an aid to meditation and relaxation.
"*" indicates required fields
