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Alcohol addiction in Singapore is on the rise, yet treatment options in the country are limited. Now, men and women are turning to rehabs outside of Singapore for help.
Singapore is known to have some of the strictest laws in Asia when it comes to alcohol and drug consumption. Despite these rules for citizens, there has been a growing concern about the number of people in need of an alcohol rehab in Singapore, or elsewhere. According to National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), as of 2018, there were 418 people who sought rehab for Singaporeans. This number is up significantly from the previous recorded statistic of 240 in 2009.
A report in Asia One discusses Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Singapore. Over the last five years, local meetings have risen from two to three per week to several per day. According to a local AA group member, they have expanded to meet the demand of people who need treatment for alcoholism in Singapore.
The Singapore Institute of Mental Health suggests that at least 4.1 percent of Singaporeans have experienced an addiction to alcohol at some point in their life. Many of these people are high functioning alcoholics. In other words, they are men and women who have a good career, are well educated, and have a family. They are some of the most difficult alcoholics to identify because they tend to be well adapted to keeping their drinking a secret.
In Singapore, alcohol consumption is considered to be acceptable, and unlike other substances, it is legal. Although there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume, the average working man or woman may consume 4-7 alcohol-containing drinks per week. In Singapore, this amount is increasing.
It is common for co-worker to get together after work for a drink. There is often an excess amount of pressure on workers who feel obligated to drink – even if they don’t want to. Fears that turning down the offer might result in a negative outcome, or as if he or she does not want to appear as if they don’t want to establish a team-like relationship with other co-workers. At the same time, accepting an offer from superiors to go for a drink or dinner might be viewed as a way to garner a reputation and respect. In Singapore, it is estimated at least one in five workers will go out for drinks at least once a month with their colleagues. Many claim they are trying to get on “the good side” of their superiors and maintain a solid working relationship with colleagues.
It also must be said that in Asia, there is a long standing tradition of consuming alcoholic beverages before closing any business deal. Some traditions include getting “buzzed” or “drunk” to see how a person behaves before establishing a business relationship with them or their company.
Alcohol consumption is considered to be a social norm. In fact, if someone is not drinking, they might be considered dull or boring, and may be outcasted from their group. In other words, people are often expected to drink. In Singapore, many 17 year olds count down to their 18th birthday when they can legally purchase a drink.
Most people started drinking around friends or family members. Some enjoyed it and others felt the need to continue to drink – be it on occasion or frequently. Others use alcohol to cope with social anxiety. This is not a good idea as it can prevent a person from developing social skills and enhance the pre-existing anxiety. Furthermore, it can cause a person to rely on alcohol as a way to handle a public or social setting. For those who are frequently attending social events, alcohol abuse and addiction can easily develop.
Approximently 40 % of alcoholics have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Using alcohol to escape depression, stress, anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions can be particularly troublesome. The alcohol will worsen the condition and create a very complex cycle of problems, including addiction, that is difficult to break without going to an alcohol rehab Singapore residents can trust, such as Siam Rehab. In Singapore, alcohol abuse, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder are the top three disorders that are diagnosed.
When it comes to alcohol addiction in Singapore, there are many people who are considered to be a high functioning alcoholic. These men and women tend to be able to hold down a job, a relationship, an education, or family obligations. They may demonstrate a level of success, and those around them may have no idea that they are addicted to alcohol in Singapore. Because a high functioning alcoholic is more likely to be able to maintain their life (to some degree), they will also be more likely to be in denial. As a result, there is an increasing chance that a high functioning alcoholic will delay in going to a rehab for Singaporeans. It is not uncommon for a high functioning alcoholic to get help after they have suffered from serious legal problems, health issues, family breakups, or an intervention.
It is not possible for anyone to consume high amounts of alcohol without, at some point, experiencing a consequence.
According to data from recent studies in Singapore, there is an increase in addictive behaviours and disorders throughout the country. Even so, there is very limited training and services available to those who may need it; despite the ample amounts of evidence that suggests a number of effective treatment approaches. Researchers are encouraging a “ramping up” of services to “manage the growing number of addicts.” At this time, Singapore alcohol rehabs are very limited.
Many Singaporeans who are addicted to alcohol or drugs are turning to Thailand for help. Less than two hours away, via flight, a Singaporean can arrive in Chiang Rai, Thailand and begin treatment on the same day. At Siam Rehab, Singapore men and women talk about the benefits of going to rehab in Thailand; they include:
You don’t have to hit rock bottom before you decide to go to a rehab Singapore residents can count on, such as Siam Rehab. Getting help as quickly as possible is the best way towards a healthy recovery. If you are living in Singapore, have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs, and are ready to make the call for help, reach out to Siam Rehab now.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22815010
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