Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Singapore: Issues and Challenges in Control and Treatment Strategies

Osman, Mohd Maliki

doi:10.1300/j160v02n03_07

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…In the recent years, a rehabilitative and integrative approach toward individuals with drug related offenses has been embraced, and through community-based programs where efforts in early reintegration of these individuals into the community are made (44). Nonetheless, some challenges may remain in drug control and treatment strategies such as a need to focus on familial interventions and more research in the area of drug addiction (45,46). Results from the study revealed a considerable number of patients with schizophrenia who may be at risk of significant problematic drug use.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Problematic Drug Use Among Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses

et al. 2021

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Background: Problematic drug use is common among psychiatric patients and is linked with poorer course and outcomes of illness. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of problematic drug use, and to explore its sociodemographic correlates and associations with health behaviors and outcomes among outpatients with schizophrenia and related psychoses in Singapore.Methods: Data from 397 individuals who were aged 21–65 years and were seeking treatment for schizophrenia and related psychoses in the outpatient clinics of a tertiary psychiatric hospital were analyzed. The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) was used to assess problematic drug use. Information on sociodemographics, smoking status, alcohol use, symptoms severity and quality of life were collected. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to explore correlates and associations of problematic drug use.Results: The prevalence of problematic drug use was 5.8% (n = 23) in the sample, and 10.6% (n = 42) of the participants reported having problematic drug use and/or problematic alcohol use. More males than females reported having problematic drug use (p = 0.021), and also problematic drug and/or alcohol use (p = 0.004). Significant associations were observed between problematic drug use and smokers with nicotine dependence, and with physical health domain of quality of life. Individuals with greater symptom severity were approximately twice as likely to have problematic drug use and/or alcohol use.Conclusion: While the prevalence of problematic drug use in this sample population is relatively lower compared to other countries, there is a considerable number who might be at risk. Routine screening and close monitoring of drug use is recommended as part of psychiatric assessment, particularly among males and patients with nicotine dependence.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Problematic Drug Use Among Outpatients With Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses

et al. 2021

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“…In all, Norway's drug approach can be said to be consistent with the Commission's policy. (Osman, 2002).…”

Section: ) Variants In Treatment Of Low Level Drug Offendersmentioning

confidence: 99%

It Is Not about the Drugs. A Comparative and Contextual Analysis of Singapore and European Drug Approaches

Koman¹

2018

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This article aims to establish that Singapore's drug policy and approach though not in tandem, is consistent with the elements espoused in the harm reduction approach advocated by the Global Commission on drug policies. The Commission takes the position that drug control nationally has to be aligned with the sustainable development goals agenda approved by the member states in 2015. It has recommended abolishing death penalty for all drug related offences, decriminalizing drug possession and cultivation for personal consumption, implementing non-penal sanctions for all low level drug offenders, and exploring non-penal regulatory models following decriminalization. There is a paradigm shift in global attitude towards drug problem. Traditionally, there appears to be two distinct approaches to drug issues: The so-called harm reduction and the harm eradication approach. This paper anchors upon this basic principle of categorization to offer a comparative analysis between the harm reduction approach used in Europe and the harm eradication approach used in Singapore. It argues that Singapore's approach though labelled as one of harm eradication has strong preponderance of the harm reduction elements in rehabilitation, treatment and reintegration of the drug inmates in the Singapore correctional facility. This analysis challenges the traditional classification and provides new ways of making sense of the variances in drug approach given jurisdictional, geographical and cultural nuances. Concomitantly, it recommends having a specialized drug court within the Singapore criminal justice system to augment its harm reduction approach.

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