• Image: Kevin Irby

  • Prescription Drugs

    Prescription drugs are obtained through a prescription from a doctor. 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 or what is known as sleeping pills Drugs like Dormicum are commonly prescribed tranquilisers.
    • Stimulants like Ritalin or certain slimming pills which are used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder.


    Non-prescription drugs / Illegal drugs

    Heroin, ketamine, cannabis (marijuana), ecstasy and amphetamines are examples of illegal or street 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.

    The people who are addicted to drugs will not admit that they have a problem. It is up to you as a family member or friend to step in and get him the help he needs.

    Here are some warning signs to look out for drug addiction:

    • Unsteady gait and incoordination
    • 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)