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Therapy for Drinking Challenges: Pathways to Recovery

Alcohol Consumption in Singapore

According to the National Health Survey in 2022, 2.5% of Singapore residents aged 18 to 74 years consume alcohol regularly, while 10.4% drink frequently, up to more than three times a week.

The Role of Alcohol in Social Settings

Alcohol consumption is often normalized as a social bonding activity, for celebrations, coming-of-age events, and work functions. Alcohol is often used as a social lubricant or stress reliever in various contexts.

Availability and Accessibility of Alcohol

As a legal substance, alcohol is readily available and can be easily accessed at convenience stores, supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, and bars. Its price range varies widely, making it affordable for both youngsters and old.

Health Risks Associated with Alcohol

Despite alcohol’s popularity and wide availability, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified alcohol as a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance. It has been categorized as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, placing it in the highest risk group alongside asbestos, radiation, and tobacco.

To date, it is still unclear as to the threshold at which the carcinogenic effects of alcohol “switch on” and manifest in the human body, making it challenging to demarcate any safe drinking limit.

Warning Signs of Problem Drinking Behaviours

When does alcohol consumption become problematic? Warning signs include:
  • Drinking more or for a longer duration than planned
  • Loss of control or inability to stop drinking despite adverse relationship, functional, or health consequences
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as sleep issues, shakes, nausea, sweating, anxiety, or low moods
  • Cravings or an intense desire for a drink that interferes with tasks
  • Preoccupation with planning the next drink
  • Needing more alcohol to achieve the same satisfaction as before
  • Health issues affecting the liver, the pancreas and the gut.

 Treatment for Problematic Drinking or Alcohol Use Disorder

Treating problematic drinking behaviours typically begins with a thorough assessment to understand drinking patterns, the functionality of alcohol in the individual’s life, and the individual’s motivation for change. Given alcohol’s opposing effect of creating a feeling of “high” and numbing unwanted feelings, accurately mapping the alcohol cycle is crucial for the planning the next step in behaviour modification.

Behaviour Modification Clinicians may recommend individual therapy, support groups, or family therapy to address the alcohol use disorder. Individual therapy often includes a recovery plan with behavioral changes to manage responses to triggers and high-risk situations.

Addressing Cravings and Withdrawals To support individuals through the initial stages of recovery, where cravings and withdrawals are particularly strong, medications may be recommended and a support system of trusted peers who understand the power of addiction can significantly aid in maintaining recovery.

Underlying Mental Health Conditions or Situational Factors Therapy also addresses underlying mental health conditions that hinder the individual’s ability to self-soothe with existing coping mechanisms.

Repairing Relationships and Building Connection Any form of addiction is often an isolating experience. Rebuilding relationships with loved ones and close social circles helps create connections that play a significant role in the individual’s ability to manage their triggers and heal from their emotional or life challenges.

If you or anyone you know exhibits the above warning signs related to alcohol consumption, do reach out to our therapist for a consultation on recovery.

Written by Juliana Pang, Psychotherapist, Belief Psychotherapy & Training.

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