Addiction is a chronic, progressive, and relapse-prone illness that affects a person both physically and psychologically. A person can become addicted to either substances (e.g. drugs, alcohol) or to certain activities (e.g. gambling, sex, the internet).

It is characterised by the following:

  • The person continues the addictive behaviour despite the consequences
  • The frequency or intensity of the behaviour increases over time
  • When the behaviour is stopped, the person experiences unpleasant feelings and emotions

Signs of a possible gambling problem:

  • Gambles more often
  • Gamble for longer periods of time
  • Gambles with larger amounts of money
  • Incurs debts as a result of gambling
  • Borrows money to gamble
  • Gambles in spite of negative consequences, e.g. huge losses, poor job performance, relationship problems
  • Gambles to escape from emotional problems, worries or frustrations
  • Tells lies to hide/understate their gambling behaviour

 Signs of a possible alcohol problem:

  • Loses control over drinking
  • Feels that drinking is getting out of hand and feels the need to cut down
  • Feels annoyed when others criticise his drinking
  • Has cravings to drink in the morning, or needs alcohol to steady his nerves
  • Feels remorseful or guilty about drinking

 Signs of a possible drug problem:

  • Preoccupied with finding and consuming drugs
  • Finds excuses to continue using drugs, despite promises to quit
  • Conceals drug-taking behaviour, and is afraid of being discovered
  • Has health and sleep problems
  • Has frequent accidents and falls
  • Feels exhausted and depressed because of the drug use

To find out more about signs and symptoms of the various types of addictions, please visit the NAMS website at http://www.nams.sg. Click here to watch video on addictions management.



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​A multidisciplinary team at the Specialist Outpatient Clinic C provides comprehensive assessments, treatment planning, counselling and case management, relapse-prevention training, and psycho-education for patients and their families. Patients who require inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation are treated at the Serenity Centre at IMH. 

For Appointment
To schedule an appointment, please call 6389 2200 or submit an online Appointment Request Form. 

Please note that direct appointments are considered self-referrals and are not eligible for government subsidies.

To qualify for subsidised consultation and treatment at NAMS, a referral from polyclinic, CHAS clinic (only if the person is a CHAS cardholder) or restructured hospital is required.

For Problem Gambling
​For information on problem gambling, casino exclusions and visit limits, please visit www.ncpg.org.sg or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you may “Ask Jamie@MSF". 

national mindline 1771​
For 24/7 mental health support, you can reach out to the national mindline 1771, Singapore's first national mental health helpline and textline service:


This book celebrates 10 years of NAMS (National  Addictions Management Service) — the dedicated team of doctors, counsellors, researchers, nurses, social workers, and operations admin behind Singapore's national addiction treatment service.

Since 2008, NAMS has grown from a small alcohol treatment unit into a service that helps people through all kinds of addiction, offering everything from inpatient care and counselling to helpline support and acupuncture. Along the way, the team has also reached out to the community, trained other professionals, and learnt from peers around the world. But ultimately, this is a book about people — patients who found their way back, and a team that never stopped believing recovery was possible.

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​Managing AddictionsGambling Addiction ServiceGambling Addiction ChineseCRESTFRESH Serenity CentreGambling Addiction