Addictions
Having an addiction can often feel like enduring a silent struggle which hides behind one’s daily routines and social expectations, whilst being suppressed by personal shame. This shame can lead many to continue to struggle with their addiction and not seek help.
In Singapore, we see a growing awareness of how addiction affects lives across all age groups and backgrounds. Whether you are worried about yourself, a loved one, or simply want to understand more, you are not alone.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic condition where a person is compelled to continue using a substance or engaging in a behaviour, despite harmful consequences. It goes beyond mere habit (eg. exercising a lot) because an addiction truly interferes with your ability to function normally, negatively impacts relationships, and damages emotional, mental, and physical health.
Whether it is excessive alcohol consumption, gambling beyond one’s means, or prolonged screen time, addictions often become a coping mechanism. Over time, it rewires the brain to depend on that activity or substance for pleasure or relief, even when it causes harm. The person experiencing the addiction simply wants more of it at all costs.
To the outsider, this desire to want more in spite of the negative consequences can seem like a personal weakness or a lack of willpower. The outsider may unfairly demand that the person with the addiction just buck up. And yet this is not helpful at all! Addiction is a medical and psychological condition which thrives on proper understanding and support.
Types Of Addictions
Gambling
Compulsive betting, whether at casinos, online platforms, or with 4D and Toto. Typically, the individual may falsely believe that they are earning money through their strategic endeavours, and that it is a skill or investment which they are engaging in, so they just need to hold out for the longer term in order to realise their gains.
Unfortunately, such a mentality leads to further cover-ups of their financial status, and potentially missing out on their basic daily needs in order to use the money to gamble.
Gaming
Especially common among teens and young adults. Excessive screen time affects sleep, academic performance, and mental health.
Usually, in such cases, there is an underlying need for social connection which is missing in their face-to-face interactions, and thus, the gaming realms become easier to navigate to achieve social connectedness.
Sex or Pornography
Risky behaviours or viewing habits that interfere with daily life and relationships. Due to the high accessibility of such content and services, and the blurry lines around the unlawful nature of the actions, such addictions typically remain concealed and rarely divulged truthfully.
Shopping
Compulsive buying to relieve emotional distress. Similar to Gambling addiction, the individual usually only realises it is a problem when there is a significant financial loss.
In Singapore, the purchasing of “cheap” items on online shopping platforms is a typical context for such behaviours. These items are typically not needed, but the thrill of adding them into the shopping cart after browsing becomes too engaging that it impacts one’s sleep and work performance (i.e. shopping online unnecessarily amidst ongoing work).
Alcohol
Regular heavy drinking that leads to dependency. In most countries, including Singapore, alcohol misuse is often hidden due to cultural stigma.
It is common for the individual to say, “I’m not an alcoholic, I only drink 1 glass of wine most nights when I’m relaxing at home. So I can still function when doing work.”
It is a misnomer in that an alcoholic is only someone who gets drunk a lot.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines drinking more than 14 Standard Drinks over a fortnight may be a sign of alcohol dependency in women. For men, this threshold is typically around 28 drinks per fortnight. One Standard Drink equals approximately 100 ml of wine, 330 ml of beer, or 40 ml of spirits.
Drugs
Use of illegal or prescription drugs, such as cannabis, methamphetamine, or sleeping pills. This is taken very seriously under Singapore law and may result in mandatory rehabilitation or legal penalties. As expected, of all the addictions, this addiction would be the one that would remain most hidden.
Nicotine
Strong cravings for cigarettes or vaping products, often used to manage stress. Interestingly, in contrast to drugs, this seems to be a more acceptable form of addiction in Singapore, as in most other countries.
Do note that Behavioural addictions are just as serious as Substance-based ones. They can disrupt your life in similar ways, impact mood and daily functioning.
Signs Of Addiction
Recognising the signs is the first step to getting help. Addiction may not always be obvious because it often develops slowly. You may notice subtle changes in behaviour, mood, or physical health which have long-term impact.
Common signs include:
- Increased secrecy or lying
- Loss of interest in hobbies or work
- Difficulty focusing or performing daily tasks
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Financial problems due to spending on the addiction
- Withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, shaking) when not using the substance
- Trying and failing to stop
- Constantly wanting more just to obtain the same satisfaction levels
If your behaviour or someone else’s is causing distress, disruption, or harm, it may be time to explore the possibility of addiction.
Causes Of Addiction
There is no single cause of addiction. It often arises from a combination of factors, namely biological, psychological, and social. Common contributing factors include:
- Genetics: A family history of addiction can increase risk.
- Mental Health Issues: Conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma are often linked to addiction.
- Stress & Pressure: High expectations, work stress, or academic pressure; especially in a competitive society like Singapore which can lead people to seek unhealthy coping strategies.
- Lack Of Support: Social isolation or lack of meaningful relationships may contribute.
- Early Exposure: Experimenting with substances or gambling at a young age can increase risk.
How To Prevent Addiction?
Support is available, and recovery is possible! Whether you are dealing with early signs or a full-blown addiction, the earlier you seek help, the better the outcomes.
Support Options In Singapore
- Therapy And Counselling: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other approaches help change thought patterns and build healthier habits.
- Support Groups: Programmes like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Gambling Helpline groups offer community-based healing
- Rehabilitation Centres: Inpatient or outpatient rehab provides intensive support for recovery
- Medication: For some addictions, medications can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Family Therapy: Addiction affects loved ones, too. Including family helps improve recovery outcomes.
Addiction Prevention Tips
- When you feel yourself lacking in self-esteem and you want to turn to one of the abovementioned addictive behaviours or substances to immediately help you cope, hold off first! Instead, build healthy coping skills via a quick practice of mindfulness, physical exercise, or journaling. Each of these can last for just five minutes, but the key is to engage in it immediately.
- Maintain strong relationships and a support network. By having others around you whom you can trust, we have more pairs of watchful eyes to help us stay on track. It will also make us cover up less when we openly share with people we trust.
- Seek help early if facing stress, trauma, or emotional pain. Find a psychologist or counsellor who is specifically trained in behavioural or substance addiction. It is very important to seek specialised services.
- Set limits on screen time, gambling, or drinking. While easier said than done, start with a manageable amount, then reduce it accordingly. This method is called gradual reduction.
When To Seek Help?
You do not have to wait for things to fall apart before seeking help. Many people delay because of stigma, fear, or denial. The truth is, seeking help early often prevents deeper problems later on.
Seek help if you notice:
- Loss of control over the behaviour or substance
- Hiding or lying about usage
- Failed attempts to quit
- Health problems related to usage
- Feeling ashamed or trapped
A Case Study
Melissa started drinking socially at a very young age. It helped her unwind. Eventually, she needed a drink every night to relax.
She began missing work deadlines, getting into arguments at home with her husband, and hiding bottles of alcohol at home. It got so stressful for Melissa that she even neglected her children’s needs because she could not cope. So to her, alcohol was more of a solution than the cause of her problems.
Melissa reached out for psychotherapy, initially feeling embarrassed. Over four to five months of psychoeducation, behavioural strategies, and a lot of supportive understanding, she regained her confidence, improved her family life, and began building a healthier relationship when faced with distressing events.
Addiction is a serious condition. Whether it is gambling, alcohol, or screen time, it can feel overwhelming. However, you are never alone, and recovery is always possible. In Singapore, resources and professionals are available to support your healing.
At our clinic, you are guided with empathy, honesty, and professional care. You are not judged. You are not blamed. You are heard.
Ready to take the next step toward well-being? Contact us today to book a confidential consultation.
How Can Us Help You?
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
Exploring patterns of thought and behaviour
Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
Developing practical coping tools
Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
- Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
- Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$310
Principal Psychologist
$290
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$262
Educational Psychologist
$262
Clinical Psychologist
$236
Counsellor
$170
Expressive Arts Therapist
$170
Associate Psychologist
$130
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)
FAQs About Addictions
What are the top 10 addictions?
The top 10 addictions are: coffee, nicotine, alcohol, sex, drugs, gambling, internet, video games, food, and work.
What are the types of addictions?
Addictions can be broadly categorised into substance use disorders (SUDs) and behavioural addictions.
SUDs involve compulsive use of substances like alcohol, drugs, and nicotine.
Behavioural addictions include activities like gambling, gaming, sex, shopping, and internet use, where the compulsive engagement can lead to negative consequences.
How to get rid of any addiction?
Overcoming addiction is challenging, and having a structured plan can make the journey more manageable.
- Choose a Start Date
Pick a specific date to begin your journey toward recovery. A date with personal significance can help to strengthen your commitment. - Alter Your Surroundings
Remove objects and cues related to your addiction from your living and working spaces. This includes distancing yourself from individuals who might tempt you to return to the addiction. - Stay Occupied
When cravings arise, distract yourself with healthier alternatives, e.g. take a walk, call a friend, or engage in a hobby. - Reflect on Previous Quitting Efforts
Look back at your earlier attempts to quit. Identify what helped and what did not. - Build a Support System
Reach out to friends and family for encouragement and accountability and let them know about your decision to quit. You can also speak with a healthcare professional who can recommend tools that may ease withdrawal and improve your success rate.
What are the most common things to be addicted to?
Some of the most common things people are addicted to include substances like alcohol, nicotine, and opioids, as well as activities like gambling, internet use, and social media.