Understanding addictions
In today's fast-paced world, we face an array of stresses and challenges which is exacerbated from having to possibly transition into different roles in life such as embarking on a new course of study, a new job or starting new relationships. Understandably, these pressures can feel overwhelming and lead some of us down a troublesome path of addiction to escape or cope with our problems.
As a result, addictions can pose significant risks to our well-being. They can often make us spiral into a destructive cycle that affects our health.
What are addictions?
Addictions are patterns of behaviour where a person becomes strongly attached or dependent on something to the point where it becomes difficult to control or stop that behaviour, even if it has negative consequences on their life.
Types of addictions
These addictions can involve substances like alcohol or activities such as gambling, smoking, or excessive internet or video game use. The effects reach far, impacting our physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Reaching out for support and intervention is a natural and important step in overcoming addiction.
Curious about addictions and their common misconceptions? Read more.
Understanding alcohol use disorder
As we enter adulthood, we might start to venture into new experiences and one such activity could be experimenting with drinking. Many of us drink in social settings such as parties and bars, possibly to enjoy the feeling of euphoria (e.g. intense excitement or happiness) that alcohol brings us.
Feelings of euphoria are often linked to a sense of relaxation and make it easier to let go of self-control. Consequently, some of us may develop a dependence on alcohol to recreate these pleasurable feelings and to cope with our life stresses. Without proper control of our intake, consuming alcohol can become an addiction. Excessive and prolonged alcohol use is associated with negative consequences on our physical and mental health.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Common
misconceptions
A GUIDE TO
National Addictions Management Service (NAMS)
- Visit www.nams.sg
- Call the All Addictions Helpline at 6‑7326837 (6‑RECOVER)
- Operating hours: Everyday 8:30am‑9:00pm (inclusive of public holiday)
Understanding gambling addiction
For many of us, gambling could be an occasional activity. But have you ever wondered when it crosses the line into something more serious? The excitement we feel may make it hard to stop, and before we know it, what started as a harmless pastime can evolve into something much harder to manage.
While we may think gambling is more common among older people, recent studies show that younger individuals are now at greater risk, mainly due to the easy access to gambling through online platforms and games.
FACING A GAMBLING
PROBLEM?
National Addictions Management Service (NAMS)
- Visit www.nams.sg
- Call the All Addictions Helpline at 6‑7326837 (6‑RECOVER)
- Operating hours: Everyday 8:30am‑9:00pm (inclusive of public holiday)
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
Available daily from 8am to 11pm:
- Helpline: 1800-666 8668*
*Airtime charges apply for mobile calls to 1800 service lines. - Webchat: https://go.gov.sg/ncpg-webchat
Understanding smoking and vaping addiction
Despite the well-known dangers of smoking, many people around the world still choose to smoke, even though it remains the leading cause of preventable death globally. The real dangers of smoking come from tar and other carcinogens found in tobacco. These harmful substances can lead to various cancers, heart disease, and stroke. And it’s not just what smoking does to our bodies—loved ones who are exposed to second-hand smoke face health risks as well.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional can diagnose nicotine dependence through a detailed clinical interview about the individual’s medical history, current symptoms, and how tobacco use is affecting their lives. The individual may also have to fill out a questionnaire to assess how dependent they are on nicotine.
Meanwhile, e-cigarette, or vaping product, use associated lung injury (EVALI) is a diagnosis that involves excluding other diseases as vapes can cause respiratory issues that present as pneumonia or the seasonal flu. The healthcare professional assesses recent e-cigarette use, performs a physical exam, and uses tests like chest X-ray to identify lung abnormalities. Bloodwork may be ordered to eliminate alternative causes of illness.
A GUIDE TO
Additional support for quitting smoking and vaping
I Quit Programme
This tailored programme supports individuals through their quitting process by taking their lifestyle, habits, and level of smoking dependence into consideration. Tools available include daily SMS tips, weekly calls from trained QuitLine advisors or weekly face-to-face counselling sessions with health specialists.
Start to S.T.O.P.
Start to S.T.O.P. (Speak To Our Pharmacists) is a quit smoking programme championed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS) Community Chapter. It is a nationwide collaborative effort by community pharmacy chains Guardian, Unity and Watsons to help you quit smoking and improve your health.
Learn more about this programme and select a location that is convenient for you.
The 4Ds
Individuals could also try the 4Ds, if they would like to try avoiding smoking or vaping on their own. Distract: Distract oneself from the desire to smoke or vape by engaging in enjoyable activities both at work and home. Conquer nicotine cravings by focusing on things that bring them joy and a sense of refreshment.
National Addictions Management Service (NAMS)
- Visit www.nams.sg
- Call the All Addictions Helpline at 6‑7326837 (6‑RECOVER)
- Operating hours: Everyday 8:30am‑9:00pm (inclusive of public holiday)
Understanding internet and gaming addiction
These days, it’s easy to feel like we’re always online. Whether we’re scrolling through social media, playing games, or just browsing. When used in moderation, the internet and online gaming can be fun and helpful. But have you ever found yourself wondering if it’s becoming too much? Sometimes, what starts as a harmless habit can grow into something that disrupts our daily lives and even turns into an addiction.
What is internet and gaming addiction?
What puts us
at risk?
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional can diagnose internet or gaming addiction through a detailed clinical interview. The assessment will explore the individual’s internet and gaming habits, current symptoms, and how these behaviours impact daily life. Additionally, the individual must exhibit the above signs and symptoms for at least 12 months in order to fulfil the diagnostic criteria for internet and gaming disorder.
A GUIDE TO
National Addictions Management Service (NAMS)
- Visit www.nams.sg
- Call the All Addictions Helpline at 6‑7326837 (6‑RECOVER)
- Operating hours: Everyday 8:30am‑9:00pm (inclusive of public holiday)
First-Stop Touchpoints
Not sure whom to reach out to? You can approach any of these First-Stop Touchpoints. They can help identify your mental health needs, provide brief support, and guide you to the most suitable services:
Alternatively, you can click here to explore mental health resources and services located near you.
