SINGAPORE, 21 NOVEMBER — LEARNING HOW TO help someone break an addiction was the purpose of the attendees of the elective held at Expo Hall 2, Conference Hall G. The venue was filled till there was standing room only, demonstrating the need and importance to understand how addiction affects our world today.
   |
| PHOTOS: Nigel Tan |
In the hour-long session, Jeremy Choy, board member of City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA) and Victor Lim-Fei, director of CityCare, shared their experiences with substance abuse addicts and gave insight to providing practical assistance to such victims.
The attendees learned how to recognize the different types and natures of addiction, as well as the negative effects and consequences of an addiction. The speakers engaged the crowd in written exercises, and answered the rapid flow of questions coming from the audience.
The steps to help someone break an addiction can be summarized in the acronym D.A.R.E. (Dream; Take Action; Reinforcement in breaking the addiction; Encourage them throughout the entire process). Choy repeatedly emphasized that helping someone with their addiction is a long-term commitment and one will face many setbacks in the process. However, he also encouraged all to continue extending genuine and sincere friendship, and that love can break through any barrier and resistance.
Gwendolyn Tan, 16, attended the elective with the purpose of helping her friends quit smoking. “I have a better understanding about addiction now, and I feel more confident and equipped in helping my friends.”
