Rehab Centers & Addiction Treatment in Singapore
Singapore is a thriving global financial hub that is renowned for its conservatism and strict local laws. A hard-line approach has arguably served Singapore well, but the system also has its share of casualties. Illegal drug use in Singapore can have serious consequences for those on the wrong side of the law. Drug users hoping to recover get little sympathy. If you decide to see a doctor for help with substance abuse, the doctor may be legally obliged to report you to the police.
Alcohol Rehab in Singapore
Alcohol addiction is a chronic condition where people drink uncontrollably despite all the negative effects their drinking has on their lives and the people around them. It can destroy finances, relationships, work, and both physical and mental health.
Even though Singapore has a reduced rate of alcohol consumption compared to other developed nations, the problem of binge drinking and alcohol abuse is a growing problem – particularly amongst the young adult population.
It is surprising how few treatment options there are for alcoholics in Singapore. With a thriving expat population and availability of alcohol as part of “work-life”, there is a largely unreported problem of alcohol misuse and abuse in Singapore.
If you search on Google for Alcohol Rehab in Singapore you will see a list of rehab clinics (usually not even in Singapore) trying to attract the mostly wealthy clientele to luxury and high-end rehabs charging US$15,000 ($20,000+ SGD) for 1 month.
While the cost of treatment in Thailand or Bali is less than that found in the UK or Australia, the competitive nature of the rehab industry has in recent years allowed some “unscrupulous” operators to try and cash in on the lucrative market of Singapore.
Drug Rehab in Singapore
Drug addiction is a growing problem in Singapore despite the squeaky clean image and the zero tolerance approach to illicit drugs. Illicit drug use is a criminal offence and punished with a prison sentence. This means there is a certain stigma related to drug use within Singaporean society.
The Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) permits the police to search anyone they suspect of drug trafficking or drug use without asking the court for a warrant. The police can ask anyone to perform a urinalysis; not taking the test is seen as a presumption of guilt.
Those convicted of drug trafficking are often sentenced to death. The MDA empowers the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) to commit a drug user for treatment in a drug rehabilitation centre for between 6 and 36 months.
Singapore has limited options for the treatment of drug addiction and most users of illicit or prescription drugs who require treatment will look overseas for private treatment programs. Thailand is the leading destination and has an established addiction recovery market and close proximity to Singapore.