Substance Abuse in Singapore: Causes, Consequences and Interventions

Written by: Florence Ki

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to the excessive use of drugs in a way that is detrimental to others, self or both (Griffin, 1990). In Singapore, it is known that the country has strict laws and regulations regarding substance abuse. However, the city-state continues to face its fair share of problems related to this social issue. According to the Straits Times, 0.7% of Singaporeans abused drugs in 2022, which multiplied across the population translates to an alarming number of 18000 citizens (Chua, 2023). Some of the more commonly consumed drugs in Singapore are cannabis, ecstasy and methamphetamine, with a majority claiming that cannabis is the first drug they tried (Chua, 2023). 

How does substance abuse start? Unfortunately, curiosity is the most common reason why these Singaporeans started taking drugs (Chua, 2023). Other reasons include negative peer pressure, boredom, or the belief that drugs are a good way to cope with pressure. Though this article mainly focuses on illegal drugs, excessive use of alcohol and tobacco is also considered a form of substance abuse which is often seen among Singaporeans, even with youths, today. 

Substances such as tobacco, alcohol and psychoactive drugs share one thing in common which is their ability to alter one’s perception, mood, consciousness and/or behaviour when consumed (Substance Abuse and Addiction: An Overview, 2023.). Using it once may derive pleasure. However, subsequent repeated usage will cause addiction. This is when the user is unable to function without these substances. Besides that, they will experience painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they do not continue using these substances (Substance Abuse and Addiction: An Overview, 2023). Some individuals get hooked on drugs after one usage, while some get addicted after multiple uses. 

Generally, some common signs of substance abuse and addiction are:

• Cycles of increased energy, restlessness, and inability to sleep (often seen in stimulants)

• Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, confusion and disorientation (often seen in opiates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates)

• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

• Cycles of excessive sleep

• Unexpected changes in clothing, such as constantly wearing long-sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites

• Suspected drug paraphernalia such as unexplained pipes, roach clips or syringes

• For snorted drugs, chronic troubles with sinusitis or nosebleeds

• For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or bronchitis leads to coughing up excessive mucus or blood.

• Progressive severe dental problems (especially with methamphetamine

(Substance Abuse and Addiction: An Overview, 2023).

Other than health issues, substance abuse has consequences that extend to families or even society. Users can become an emotional and financial burden, or cause relationship strain between them and their family members (Daley, 2013). Family instability can result from abuse, violence or family breakup due to separation, divorce or removal of children by social services (Daley, 2013). These disorders can also contribute to medical or psychiatric conditions, disability, and death as a result of accidents or diseases caused or worsened by substance use, or higher rates of suicidality, all of which affect the society (Daley, 2013). 

Current addicts/abusers can also be a negative influence on their social circle. They can lead to an increase in the number of substance abusers in Singapore. Substance abuse can contribute to criminal activities as individuals may resort to illegal activities to support their addiction. Additionally, impaired judgment due to substance use can lead to accidents and safety hazards. 

Singapore has already taken a proactive stance in combating this social issue with its strict laws regarding drug usage and drug trafficking. In addition, to help drug abusers successfully reintegrate into society and help reduce recidivism, differentiated pathways of rehabilitation and treatment were introduced (CNB Explains, 2022). Those who were caught purely for drug usage are sent for rehabilitation instead of being charged in court and will not hold a criminal record for their drug abuse offence (CNB Explains, 2022). On the other hand, drug abusers who are under investigation for other drug or criminal offences will be charged in court (CNB Explains, 2022). There are also multiple community organisations and NGOs that provide resources and support for individuals recovering from substance abuse. For example, SOAR (Substance or Alcohol Recovery) Programme is a structured therapy program by We Care to help abusers break out of the drug addiction cycle (We Care Community Services : Drug Addictions, 2023). 

Substance abuse remains a complex challenge for Singapore despite its reputation for effective governance and stringent laws. The causes of substance abuse is diverse, ranging from peer pressure to societal stressors and even something as simple as curiosity. One should maximise one’s youth and enjoy the finer things in life but also remain prudent and make smart choices when faced with temptation. There are many other healthier ways to cope and have fun. Don’t do drugs. 

If you notice a friend behaving strangely and the signs match those of drug addiction, seek help immediately. You may contact the following helplines:

National Addictions Management Services (NAMS)

Tel: 6732 6837 (Mon-Sun inclusive of PHs, 8AM – 11PM)

If you have been approached to try drugs or wish to report any information, please call the CNB hotline at 1800-325-6666

References

Chua, N. (2023, May 3). Hooked on heroin at 12: IMH survey finds starting mean age for drug consumption in S’pore at 15.9 years. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/hooked-on-heroin-at-12-worrying-trend-of-younger-drug-abusers

CNB Explains: Where do adult drug abusers go when caught? (2022, December 8). CNB. https://www.cnb.gov.sg/CNBExplains/where-do-adult-drug-abusers-go-when-caught

Daley, D. C. (2013). Family and social aspects of substance use disorders and treatment. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 21(4), S73–S76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2013.09.038

Griffin, J. B. (1990). Substance abuse. In H. K. Walker, W. D. Hall, & J. W. Hurst (Eds.), Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (3rd ed.). Butterworths. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK319/

Substance Abuse and Addiction: An Overview. (2023). Health Promotion Board. Retrieved August 23, 2023, from https://hpb.gov.sg/newsroom/article

We care community services: Drug addictions. (2023). Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://www.wecare.org.sg/addiction-drug.php#:~:text=The%20SOAR%20(Substance%20or%20Alcohol,6%20individual%20sessions