Aid for addicts

By: Nur Maisarah Shamsudin

ABOUT TEEN CHALLENGE SINGAPORE

Counselling, therapy, spiritual healing for the troubled are some of the
many aid services provided by Teen Challenge Singapore.
But do not be deceived by the name, Teen Challenge, as not only do
they serve teenagers, adults are also one of their residents. In the past,
Teen Challenge was named with a teen because their clients were
mainly troubled teenagers. However, these teenagers have then grown to
be adults, thus the centre widened their reach of clients by accepting
adults. Now, their clientele includes mandated drug offenders, penal
offenders and also non-mandated offenders like addicts and alcoholics.
Teen Challenge is a Christian halfway house that provides alternative
sentencing to those who commits a crime and it addresses appropriate
punishment without the need for incarceration. Their programmes caters
to mandated and non-mandated clients.
NO CRIME DOESNT MEAN NO CRIME
Nothing is all rainbows and sunshine here in Singapore. With Singapore
being one of the countries known for having one of the lowest crime rates,
it does not mean that there are no crimes are reported here. From Drug
addiction, gambling addiction, to even problems like computer addiction,
they still exist within the country.
ADDICTION STATISTICS
According to statistics from Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), in
the first half of 2014, 1,560 and 1,071 people were arrested for drug
abuse and repeated drug abuse respectively.
Gambling- addiction wise, A study conducted by the National Council of
Problem Gambling, the frequency of Gambling Participation increased
68%, among Probable Pathological Gamblers, and these pathological
gamblers represents a more severe form of gambling addiction compared
to problem gambling.
Gaming addicts that commonly attracts children, A Gaming addicts study
by American academy of paedicts, and 300 children in Singapore (out of
3,000 surveyed) are addicted to videogames.

Mr Timothy, a 27-year-old case worker in Teen Challenge expressed how

he feels whenever he come across new applicants.

I feel alright seeing new faces. Shows that they are open to change,
shows that they are willing to be helped. If I see familiar faces, it would be
quite disheartening, but if they come back again, it would be better too
instead of getting into trouble outside (of teen challenge).

GOAL OF PROGRAMME

Teen Challenge hopes for their residents to be spiritually enriched, skilfully

enhanced and to be self-empowered after going through their
programmes for their clients.
SIGNS OF ADDICTION
Gaming

Playing for longer periods of time?

Thinking about the game all the time?

Gaming to escape from your problems?

Lying to family and friends to conceal your gaming activities?

Feeling irritable when you are unable to play your video game?

Gambling

Gambling more often?

Gambling for longer periods of time?

Gambling with larger amounts of money?

Gambling in spite of the problems it is causing you at

home and at work?

Gambling to escape from emotional problems, worries

or frustrations?
Telling lies to cover up your gambling

Alcohol

Unable to control your drinking?

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, sweating,
nausea or 'the shakes'?
Annoyed by people criticising your drinking habit?
Consuming larger amounts of alcohol or spending more time
drinking than initially intended?

Needing alcohol to steady your nerves?

Feeling bad or guilty about your drinking?

WORDS FOR THE TROUBLED SOULS

You have a choice. Maybe terrible things happen to them, but eventually
there is help. If you are willing to accept that you have a problem and
want to seek help, we are willing to help. Said Mr Timothy.

GET HELP
For those who experience symptoms listed above or is interested in
engaging with Teen Challenge Singapore, contact (+65) 6793
7933 (Headquarters) or visit them at their premises: 735 Old Choa Chu
Kang Road Singapore 699798. For more information, visit visit
http://www.teenchallenge.org.sg

Resources:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/137/2?current-issue=y

http://www.nams.sg/addictions/gambling/Pages/Warning-Signs-ofGambling-Addiction.aspx
http://www.teenchallenge.org.sg
http://www.nams.sg/addictions/gambling/Pages/Warning-Signs-of-GamingAddiction.aspx
http://www.nams.sg/addictions/gambling/Pages/Warning-Signs-of-AlcoholAddiction.aspx