June 26 is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. The day serves as a reminder of worldwide goals to create an international society free of drug abuse and trafficking. Though Singapore currently has one of the lowest drug abuse rates in the world, the problem is not one we can ignore. In fact, while overall drug rates in Singapore have decreased in recent years, Singapore has seen an increase in drug abuse cases among the youth.

According to the Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore, two-thirds of the 1,058 new abusers arrested last year were below the age of 30. This is an increase from 5 years ago, when this group made up only about half of the number of new abusers. Voluntary welfare organisations here have also been noticing a growing trend, where abusers start experimenting with drugs from as young as 13 or 14 years old.

This troubling trend is likely due to the fact that drug traffickers have been specifically targeting youths, selling hard drugs, like methamphetamine (also known as Ice), to youths as a drug that is hard to detect and is benign. It is important for parents of young children to remain vigilant and ensure that their children do not fall prey to drug peddlers. Let us come together and contribute towards a safer, drug-abuse-free Singapore.

If you know someone who needs to seek professional medical advice on how to overcome addiction or substance abuse, call our friendly medical concierge at +65 6679 7867 or email us at customercare@tmcg.com.sg.