Drug Addiction

There are two main types of drugs that are frequently abused, and lead to addiction. These are prescription (opiate-based medication, sedatives, stimulants) and non-prescription (heroin, ketamine, cannabis, ecstasy) drugs. Non-prescription drugs that are abused are frequently illegal to possess and/or to consume. Penalties for the possession and and/or consumption of such drugs are severe.

A. Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are obtained through a prescription from a licensed physician. Most people get addicted to these three types of prescription drugs.

• Opiate-based medications such as morphine or codeine, prescribed for pain relief or cough suppression
• Sedatives or tranquilisers which sedate and promote sleep. Drugs like Dormicum are commonly prescribed tranquilisers
• Stimulants like Ritalin or certain slimming pills which are used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder

B. Non prescription drugs / Illicit drugs

Heroin, ketamine, cannabis (marijuana), Ecstasy and Amphetamines are examples of illicit or illegal drugs. There are serious penalties for possessing and consuming illegal drugs in Singapore, which range from fines and imprisonment up to 10 years, or the death penalty for trafficking.

Recognising Drug Addiction

Here are some signs to help you identify if someone you know has a drug addiction.

• Preoccupation with finding and consuming drugs
• Constant excuses for continuing to use, despite promise to quit
• Concealing drug-taking behaviour, afraid of being discovered
• Frequent job changes and always in debt
• Prone to health problems due to lack of sleep and skipping meals
• Frequent accidents and falls
• Feeling exhausted, depressed or suicidal
• Wearing long sleeved shirts all the time or at inappropriate times (to conceal intravenous drug abuse)

Once someone becomes addicted, the disease of addiction takes over the person’s life. Recovery from addiction is a life-long process. Unless there is intervention, the addiction could lead to legal predicaments, severe health problems and even premature death.