NCJ Number
202146
Date Published
2002
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of the drug and alcohol control and treatment policies in Singapore.
Abstract
Drug laws in Singapore are among the strictest in the world; despite this fact, drug users in Singapore spend a reported $35 million a year on dangerous drugs while the government spends approximately $40 million a year to control the drug problem. Alcohol consumption is low compared to Western nations, and thus not considered a major problem in Singapore. Singapore is currently experiencing an economic crisis, which means they are faced with designing a cost-efficient drug abuse strategy that remains effective in reducing drug consumption rates. The author describes Singapore drug control policy and the five stage rehabilitation program at drug rehabilitation centers. Singapore is one of two countries in the Asian region to have a mandatory treatment policy for drug abusers. Following release from treatment, addicts are assigned to one of four community-based rehabilitation programs and are placed under a compulsory 2-year supervision program. Next, the author describes the emerging challenges for drug control and treatment. The findings of a study conducted by the author are discussed to illustrate the problems facing treatment, rehabilitation, and after-care services for addicts. The study compared addicts who were successfully treated versus those who relapsed. The main issues that emerged include the need to target gateway drugs like alcohol, the need to involve family members in intervention, and the need to define the role of religion in after-care treatment. Tables, references