Alcohol Addiction in Singapore
Singapore’s strict laws on alcohol and drug consumption are well-known in Asia. However, despite these stringent regulations, the need for alcohol rehab in Singapore, or elsewhere, has been on the rise. The National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) reported that in 2018, 418 Singaporeans sought rehabilitation services, a significant increase from the previous recorded figure of 240 in 2009.
In a recent report by Asia One, the increasing demand for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Singapore was highlighted. Over the last five years, the number of local meetings has gone up from just two or three per week to several meetings per day. Local AA group members have expanded their services to cater to the growing number of people in Singapore seeking treatment for alcoholism.
High Functioning Alcohol Use in Singapore
According to the Singapore Institute of Mental Health, at least 4.1 percent of Singaporeans have encountered alcohol addiction at some stage in their lives. Among them are high-functioning alcoholics, who are individuals with successful careers, high education levels, and family life. They are often challenging to identify since they have adapted well to conceal their drinking habits.
Why Singaporean Men and Women May Turn to Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is generally deemed acceptable in Singapore, and unlike other substances, it is legal. However, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, and on average, a working adult may consume between 4 to 7 drinks containing alcohol per week. Sadly, in Singapore, this amount is on the rise.
Pressure in the Workplace
In Singapore, it is common for co-workers to gather for a drink after work, which can create pressure for those who feel obligated to drink even if they don’t want to. The fear of turning down an offer and potentially receiving a negative outcome, or appearing unsupportive of team-building efforts, can be overwhelming. Accepting an invitation from superiors for drinks or dinner may also be seen as a way to gain respect and establish a positive reputation. At least one in five workers in Singapore goes out for drinks with their colleagues at least once a month, with many citing the desire to maintain a strong working relationship and earn favor with their superiors.
Furthermore, in Asia, there is a long-standing tradition of consuming alcohol before closing a business deal. Some traditions involve drinking enough to become “buzzed” or “drunk” to assess a person’s behavior before entering into a business relationship with them or their company.
Consuming Alcohol to Alleviate Social Anxiety
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.
Coping with a Mental Health Disorder
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.
High-Functioning Alcoholics
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.
Signs of a High Functioning Alcoholic
- Inability to socialise without drinking
- Drinking at work
- Missing work to drink or to recover from a hangover
- Making jokes about having a drinking problem
- Engaging in risky behaviour while drinking
- Drinking often, and more than what was intended
- Justifying alcohol consumption
- Denying drinking
- Sending drunk texts or emails
- Suffering health problems related to drinking
It is not possible for anyone to consume high amounts of alcohol without, at some point, experiencing a consequence.
Rehab Treatment for Alcoholism in Singapore
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.
Rehab for Singaporeans in Thailand
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:
- A rehab in Thailand is private
- The Singapore government does not need to find out
- Individuals can tell co-workers or loved ones they are going on holiday (if there are concerns about repercussions)
- Remote work can be done (if absolutely necessary) in the same time zone
- A Thailand rehab is more affordable than a Singapore rehab
- The individual can get out of their environment completely
- The cultures are different, but still have similarities which can instill a sense of comfort
Are You Addicted to Alcohol in Singapore?
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:
