Addiction: Why Not Getting Help Is More Taboo
Expat Living Singapore|July 2023
Don’t be surprised to find that your addiction therapist was once a person struggling with addiction. Many become therapists themselves to help others to recover. ANDY LEACH, principal therapist at Visions, has been there
ANNA MURPHY
Addiction: Why Not Getting Help Is More Taboo

An addiction is an insidious destroyer of lives, not just of the victims but those of significant others, family and friends, and livelihoods. What starts as a “social” foray for stress release, whether it’s drugs, alcohol or sex, soon turns into the taboo – something you know is wrong and having a bad effect on your life, but is now out of your control.

A person struggling with addiction is driven by the reward-seeking part of the brain where sense no longer makes sense and he or she is now in pleasure-seeking autopilot mode.

Andy Leach was once in a similar state, decades ago in a previous life – a fact he is not ashamed to share with those he meets and treats, to show them that anyone can change their life. He leads the Intensive Outpatient Programme at Visions by Promises Healthcare.

What happens when someone is addicted

“In addiction, brain activity is primarily in the mid-brain, where you are survival-oriented,” says Andy. “The pre-frontal cortex that is used for reasoning and logic stops functioning optimally and switches to reward-seeking mode, where you are pleasure-seeking, and no longer thinking of consequences.”

He adds that, despite this, getting off drugs or alcohol can be quite straightforward. “We detox the client, teach them tips to stay clean and sober, and work on all areas of their lives to help them get back on track.”

Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Expat Living Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Expat Living Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORESe alt
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

Perfect Pearly Whites!

Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

Save your Spine at Work!

Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

Festive Fashion Show!

As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji

Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

Ticket to Thailand

Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

Laying Out Memories Through Food

YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

Curry, Spice & Everything Nice

Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?

SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

A Musical Community

The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024