The 2022 IMH Health and Lifestyle Survey recently reported a drug use prevalence rate of 0.70%, defined as individuals who had used drugs within the past 12 months. Unfortunately, this data was not broken down by the age of drug users.

However, based on Singapore’s 2024 resident population of 4.18 million, this translates to approximately 30,000 individuals engaging in drug use.

In contrast, the most recent Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) report indicated that 3,119 individuals were arrested for drug offences in 2024, suggesting that actual drug prevalence is significantly higher than arrest figures indicate.

Methamphetamine Use Among Youth: A Growing Concern

While many countries may view Singapore’s overall drug prevalence as relatively low, methamphetamine use is particularly concerning, especially among young users.

Using arrest figures as a proxy, methamphetamine-related arrests increased by 16% from 1,621 in 2023 to 1,885 in 2024. Meanwhile, arrests related to most other substances, including heroin and cannabis, declined.

Equally alarming is the youth demographic involved in these offences:

53% of those arrested were under the age of 30
75% were first-time offenders

Furthermore, the number of individuals under 20 years old arrested for drug-related offences rose by 30%—from 120 in both 2021 and 2022 to 156 in 2024. In contrast, arrests for those over 20 years old declined by 4% from 2023 to 2024.

The Role of Vaping in Youth Drug Use

There have been recent reports of youth using vaping devices to inhale prohibited Class A and B psychoactive substances, such as THC and ketamine, as well as anaesthetics like etomidate and xylazine.

These substances fall under the jurisdiction of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and are not reflected in CNB’s arrest statistics. The rise in such cases suggests that vaping may become a new, high-risk method for drug consumption among youth.

Youth nicotine vaping is another growing issue. A Singapore study found that 17% of individuals aged 12 to 40 had vaped at least once, translating to approximately 190,000 people.

If emerging data confirms that criminal organisations supplying nicotine pods are also selling drug-laced vaping devices, this could further exacerbate youth drug use. However, such information is not yet publicly available.

The Need for More Detailed, Transparent Data

To effectively address youth drug use, regular, publicly available, and detailed data is necessary.

This data should be collected through:

Confidential, anonymous online surveys to encourage honest self-reporting
Independent researchers, ensuring objectivity and credibility
Annual or biannual studies to track trends and improve response strategies

By making this information accessible, schools, institutions of higher learning, community organisations, and healthcare professionals can implement more targeted and evidence-based interventions.

Tailoring Preventive Education for Different Youth Groups

There is growing emphasis on preventive education in schools and youth outreach programmes. However, such initiatives must be tailored to specific groups for maximum effectiveness:

General Youth Population – Clear messaging on the legal consequences and health risks of drug use may be sufficient deterrents.
Curious or Misinformed Youth – These individuals may require additional fact-based education to counteract misleading information from peers or online sources.
Vulnerable Youth – Some young people face higher risks of substance use, including those with:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety)
- Behavioural challenges (e.g., conduct disorders)
- Substance-using parents, siblings, or peer groups
- Bullying, loneliness, or family neglect

For these individuals, drug use may be an attempt at “self-medicating” emotional distress rather than seeking a temporary high. This group requires mental health and social support interventions alongside traditional preventive education.

Addressing the Treatment Gap

Despite the availability of qualified mental health professionals in Singapore, many youth do not seek treatment due to fear of arrest, stigma, or lack of awareness.

To enhance public health policy and investment in treatment services, Singapore would benefit from:

A published assessment of current substance use treatment resources
Increased awareness that substance use disorders are treatable
Reducing the fear of legal consequences that discourages at-risk youth from seeking help

Balancing Law Enforcement with Public Health

Singapore has long maintained a law-and-order approach to drug control, emphasising strict penalties and deterrence. However, there is a growing recognition that:

Harsh legal consequences may deter youth and their families from seeking help
Many young drug users can benefit from early intervention and treatment rather than criminalisation

By fostering a more open and supportive public health discourse, Singapore can encourage young individuals struggling with substance use to seek treatment before it escalates into a chronic issue.

Conclusion

Youth drug use in Singapore remains a complex issue requiring a multi-faceted approach. While law enforcement plays a vital role, integrating public health strategies, tailored education, and improved access to treatment will create a more effective, long-term solution.

By adopting data-driven policies and reducing barriers to mental health support, Singapore can strike a better balance between law enforcement and community health—ensuring a safer, healthier future for its youth.

Contributed by Andrew da Roza, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist & Psychotherapist, Visions at Promises. Andrew is also the Chairman of We Care Community Services and sits on the Board of the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association.

Other References:
https://www.cnb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/drug-situation-report-documents/cnb-annual-statistics-2022_final.pdf
https://www.cnb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/drug-situation-report-documents/annex-annual-stats-report_final.pdf?sfvrsn=86597a39_2
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/adverse-childhood-experiences-could-cost-s-pore-nearly-12-billion-a-year-study

Images: Envato

Youth Drug Use – Balancing Law and Order with Community Health