According to the American Psychiatric Association, addiction is a state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol and drug abuse. This term is also sometimes applied to behavioural disorders, such as sex, Internet gaming and gambling addictions.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish if the amount of effort put into a recreational activity is within healthy limits. In this talk, you will learn the causes of addiction, in addition to recognising the signs and symptoms from counsellor, Jamie Susie Thomas, who provides support to patients seen at the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS).
Date: 18 July 2023 (Tuesday)
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Singapore teens are among the most Internet-savvy in the world, spending an average of 20 hours a week on video gaming according to a study conducted in 2010 by the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the Media Development Authority (MDA).
While online activities are enjoyable, it can be potentially harmful if it becomes a major focus in one’s life that affects their physical, mental and social well-being.
Join Amelia Phang, a counsellor from the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), to learn more about the issues underlying cyber addiction and the tools to support our youths.
Date: 17 August 2023 (Thursday)
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Experience the power of honest conversations with our counsellor, Thomas, as he shares his recovery journey with addictions. At a young age, Thomas started dabbling in drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with his family issues. As an adult, he continued the use of such vices and neglected his F&B business, chalking up a huge debt. Stuck without any means to repay his creditors, Thomas attempted suicide as a way to get out of his situation. Unable to complete his plan, Thomas chose life and checked himself into the Institute of Mental Health’s 3-week rehab programme that helped kick-start his recovery journey.
In 2016, Thomas joined National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and is now a counsellor, lending a strong arm of support and positive influence to those embarking on a recovery path. From someone who needed help to becoming someone who is providing help, Thomas is proof that recovery is possible.
Date: 6 September 2023 (Wednesday)
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Caring for a loved one living with a substance or behavioural addiction can easily take a toll on one’s health. It is also easy to neglect one’s own wellbeing when being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a caregiver.
Join Bhavinagayatri Thinnagaran, a counsellor at National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), as we explore self-care tips and identify strategies to manage your stress levels, and learn the ways to respond to your loved one’s frustrations and outbursts during his or her recovery journey.
Date: 1 November 2023 (Wednesday)
Time: 7pm – 8pm
These talks are part of a series on addictions that is organised by NAMS under the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
