Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Singapore

Drug Addiction?

What is a Substance Use Disorder?

Also commonly referred to as a Drug Addiction, substance use disorders are typically evidenced when there is a significant impact on health (be it physically or mentally), work, school, family or relationships.

Substances can include but are not limited to:

  • Opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl and codeine
  • Marijuana, including synthetic cannabinoids such as spice
  • Stimulants such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy)
  • Sedatives such as painkillers and sleeping pills, including ketamine
  • Inhalants such as nitrous oxide or butane
  • Hallucinogens such as Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Substance use disorder is constantly evolving, with users finding new ways to circumvent local laws, and new ways to get ‘high’.  Therefore, it is important to consider all mood- and mind-altering chemicals as substances that can potentially lead to a drug addiction.

How do Drug Addictions Impact us?

Reward-seeking behaviour and coping with one’s emotional state through the use of substances can become pathological in nature.

An individual may end up with the inability to consistently abstain, as well as the inability to recognise the problems that accrue as a result of the usage. There would also be an impairment in behavioral control, experiencing cravings and the urge to continue substance abuse. As the disorder progresses, the individual will enter a stage of denial. This means that he/she will start rationalising and trying to justify his/her use to themselves and others. There would often be cycles of relapse and remission as well.

People with substance use disorder use substances to the point of compulsivity and often continue despite harmful consequences.

Signs and Symptoms of a Drug Addiction

  • Impaired control – taking larger amounts for longer than anticipated
  • Becoming increasingly obsessed with when you are next going to use your substance of choice
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or limit usage
  • More time spent on usage
  • Social impairment – not fulfilling obligations at school, work or home
  • Social and interpersonal problems
  • Reduced or ceased social, occupational and recreational activities
  • Increasingly hazardous use
  • Continuation despite negative physical or psychological consequences
  • Increased tolerance
  • Signs of withdrawal

Potential Effects and Consequences of Drugs and Drug Addiction

The effects and withdrawals may differ for each type of substance. These can take the form of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual effects.

Physical Psychological Emotional Social Spiritual
 Bad skin Increased anxiety, depression Increased emotional volatility Isolation Lack of meaning
 Weight loss/gain Increased suicidal ideation Inability to manage emotions Secrecy Lack of purpose
 Poor diet / Disordered eating Paranoia Dishonesty Lack of inspiration
 Sleeplessness / Over-sleeping Withdrawal from loved ones Manipulation

Where do Drug Addictions stem from?

As with other forms of addiction, it involves complex interactions among genetics, our biological neural network, the environment and one’s life experiences. This may also include a history of developmental trauma.

How do I know if a loved one is using substances?

Some signs you can look out for include:

  • Paraphernalia
  • Furtiveness or an instinctual sense that you are being lied to
  • Compromised personal hygiene or lack of interest in personal grooming
  • Drastic changes in day-to-day routines
  • Appearing increasingly irritable, restless and discontent (i.e unusual mood changes)
  • Changes in their sleep patterns, with increasing sleep disruptions and insomnia

Treatment Process at our Drug Rehabilitation Centre

Substance Use Disorder is a treatable condition. Treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases (American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2019).

At Visions by Promises rehabilitation centre, we work with all forms of addiction, including drug addiction. The intake assessment will be conducted by a certified addiction therapist or psychologist. They will start off by conducting a full biological, psychological and social assessment, after which they will proceed to provide the best clinical recommendation and treatment for drug addiction.

Treatment may include an inpatient detoxification depending on the severity of the addiction, or include an outpatient medical management with a home detoxification. Seeing a therapist on an outpatient basis will – in most cases – be recommended, which may include intensive outpatient groups for a period of time, with the potential to step down into a continuing care group.

The overall treatment plan would typically include:

  • Relapse prevention work
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (depending on the client’s presentation)
  • Identification of comorbidities and appropriate referrals to medical professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Addiction Treatment

How can I stop being a drug addict?

Drug addiction can be a difficult compulsion to kick, but it’s not impossible to do so. As drugs can alter how your brain works, it takes more than willpower to break the addiction cycle. The first step to quitting drugs is admitting you have an issue – so you can take the right steps towards recovery.

Understand your triggers, reflect on how you deal with stress, your support system and how you think about yourself. Your habits, emotions, and social situations have a direct impact on how likely it is that you give in to the desire of taking drugs. Receiving treatment is also an effective way to ensure you stay the course, these range from receiving counselling to long-term rehabilitation (rehab). Learn more about the treatment options available at Visions Singapore.

What is the first step in the treatment process for addiction?

The first step of drug addiction treatment involves detoxification, which is the discontinuation of the use of drugs. The objective of this is to break the cycle of physical dependency that develops from the consistent use of substances. An individual then has to deal with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that then ensue.

What techniques are used to treat drug addiction?

Several techniques can help treat drug addiction, these include:

  • Medical Management
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Counselling
  • Detoxification
  • Rehabilitation
  • Relapse Prevention
  • The MInnesota Method
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Visions is a rehabilitation center in Singapore that aims to help individuals recover from compulsive behaviours, including drug consumption. Make an appointment with us now.

Come Visit

#11-15/16, Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive,
Singapore 307608