Alcohol Addiction Counselling Singapore
A safe space to heal, rebuild, and grow; one step at a time.
Alcohol Addiction: Dependence & Recovery
Time to Rethink Addiction
Addiction is a common yet widely misunderstood condition—often shrouded in stigma and misinformation. Many people mistakenly view it as a failure of willpower. In reality, alcohol addiction is a complex medical and psychological issue that affects not only the individual but also their loved ones.
At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd, we aim to break down these misconceptions and offer compassionate, evidence-informed support for those on the path to recovery.
Alcohol is often used socially to ease anxiety, boost confidence, or unwind. In moderation, this may seem harmless. But when alcohol becomes a regular coping mechanism to mask distress or escape emotions, the risk of developing dependence increases.
At Listening Ear, we understand that alcohol dependence rarely occurs in isolation. It often stems from deeper struggles—chronic stress, trauma, relationship issues, or a sense of emptiness. Our trauma-informed counselling is designed to help individuals, couples, and families reclaim control, even if inpatient or rehab services are not needed.
What Is a Drinking Problem?
“Drinking problem” is not a clinical term, but it’s commonly used to describe harmful patterns of alcohol use. Some people are able to stop or reduce drinking on their own; others find themselves caught in a cycle of relapse and regret.
You may have a drinking problem if:
You’ve tried and failed to stop drinking.
Alcohol is causing problems at work, home, or in relationships.
You regularly drink to manage stress or emotions.
The NIAAA considers risky drinking as:
Men: 5+ drinks in a single session or more than 14 drinks per week.
Women: 4+ drinks in a session or more than 7 drinks per week.
Alcohol as a Social Lubricant
Alcohol is often used to reduce social anxiety or discomfort. While this might seem harmless at first, frequent reliance on alcohol to feel “normal” in social settings can lead to problematic use and eventually Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
The Role of Genetics in Alcoholism
Alcoholism is not a moral weakness. Research confirms a strong genetic component. If a parent or close relative has experienced alcohol dependence, you may be at higher risk due to how your body and brain respond to alcohol. Genetic predisposition weakens the brain’s “braking system,” making it harder to stop once you’ve started drinking.
A Progressive Disease That Doesn’t “Wash Away”
Alcoholism worsens over time. Tolerance builds, physical dependence increases, and emotional struggles intensify. Even after periods of sobriety, the underlying issues can resurface—especially if not addressed through therapy. This is why some individuals experience the “dry drunk” syndrome: they’re sober but still emotionally reactive, disconnected, or destructive in their behaviour.
The Cunning and Baffling Nature of Alcoholism
What starts as casual drinking can evolve into a deeply ingrained pattern. Alcohol convinces you that “just one drink” is fine—even when history says otherwise. Often, alcohol is a bandage for unhealed emotional wounds: childhood trauma, attachment issues, or chronic loneliness. But alcohol doesn’t heal—it numbs, and then it harms.
Types of Drinking Behaviour
Social Drinking: Moderate, occasional drinking in social settings.
Binge Drinking: 4+ drinks for women, 5+ for men in one session. Linked to poor judgement, accidents, and health risks.
Heavy Drinking: Regular intake exceeding health guidelines.
Alcohol Dependence: Physical and psychological reliance on alcohol, marked by withdrawal symptoms and the inability to function without it.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
AUD is a chronic, relapsing disorder involving:
Loss of control over drinking
Cravings
Increased tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms
Persistent use despite consequences
Signs of AUD include:
Drinking more than intended
Failed attempts to stop
Significant time spent drinking or recovering
Ongoing use despite harm to relationships or responsibilities
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal occurs when someone with alcohol dependence suddenly stops or reduces intake. Symptoms include:
Tremors (shaking)
Anxiety or agitation
Nausea, vomiting
Sweating, rapid heartbeat
Sleep disturbances
Hallucinations (in severe cases)
Seizures or Delirium Tremens (DTs)—which can be life-threatening
Consequences of Alcoholism
Physical Health:
Liver disease (fatty liver, cirrhosis)
Kidney impairment
Cardiovascular issues
Immune system suppression
Increased cancer risk
Sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction)
Psychological:
Depression and anxiety
Memory loss, cognitive decline
Emotional volatility and impulsiveness
Social:
Strained relationships
Job loss and financial instability
Legal issues (e.g., DUI)
Couples Counselling for Alcoholism
Alcoholism often damages relationships through:
Emotional distance and communication breakdowns
Broken trust
Co-dependency
Our couples counselling focuses on:
Rebuilding trust and transparency
Setting healthy boundaries
Improving communication
Supporting both partners—without enabling
Family Counselling & The Impact on Children
Alcoholism affects the entire family. Children of alcoholics may experience:
Anxiety or hyper-vigilance
Low self-esteem
Difficulty trusting others
A tendency to become overly responsible or emotionally withdrawn
Common signs in adult children of alcoholics:
Avoiding conflict
Perfectionism
Distrust in relationships
Using unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., substance use, emotional numbness)
Family therapy can help break the cycle of dysfunction, promote healing, and strengthen support systems.
What Happens in a Counselling Session?
Individual Counselling:
Assessment: We evaluate the extent of alcohol use with screening tools like AUDIT or MAST.
Treatment Planning: We explore coping tools, emotional triggers, and underlying causes like trauma or attachment wounds.
Couples Sessions:
Focus on mutual understanding, emotional repair, and shared responsibility in recovery.
Family Sessions:
Restore communication, clarify boundaries, and rebuild family trust.
The 12-Step Model
The 12-step approach—popularised by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)—provides a structured roadmap for recovery:
Acknowledge the problem
Seek support
Make amends
Embrace continuous personal growth
AA also offers community accountability. Families can turn to Al-Anon for their own support.
Self-Assessment Tools for Drinking Problems
There are many short screening tests available online that can help you assess whether you have a drinking problem. While these tools can provide helpful insights, they are no substitute for professional medical advice. Some commonly used self-assessments include:
MAST (Michigan Alcohol Screening Test): 22 yes/no questions. 6+ “yes” answers may suggest a problem.
AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test): A 10-question screening developed by the WHO.
FAST Test: Quick 4-question tool for hazardous drinking.
CAGE Questionnaire: 4 yes/no questions for identifying risk.
Our Counselling Fees in Singapore
| Session Type | Investment | Additional Charges | Cancellation Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person Sessions | SGD 250 | – SGD 50 after-hours surcharge -Transportation fees for out-of-office sessions or different venues | Reschedule or cancel with 36+ hours’ notice. Late changes or no-shows incur full session investment. |
| Virtual Sessions (Zoom) | SGD 200 (PayNow) SGD 250 (Other Methods) | – SGD 50 after-hours surcharge | Same as above. |
What Clients say about our Counselling in Singapore
Professionally Trained, Trauma-Informed & Culturally Attuned
Evidence-Based & Grounded in Real Life
Culturally Sensitive & Globally Informed
Respectful of Complex, Delicate Issues
Neutral, Non-Judgemental & Confidential Space
Reaching Out for Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependence, reaching out is the first—and most important—step. At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd, we offer personalised, trauma-informed support for individuals, couples, and families navigating the road to recovery.
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What Clients Say About Us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. What is alcoholism?
A chronic condition marked by loss of control over drinking, despite negative outcomes.
2. Is alcoholism genetic?
Yes. Genetics influence how your body responds to alcohol and your risk for dependence.
3. Can alcoholism be cured?
There is no “cure,” but it can be managed through therapy, support, and lifestyle changes.
4. What is a dry drunk?
Someone who is sober but continues to display destructive behaviours and emotional instability.
5. How does alcoholism affect families?
It disrupts trust, communication, and emotional safety. Children may carry lasting emotional scars.
6. What happens in a counselling session?
We assess the problem, identify emotional triggers, and build personalised coping strategies.
7. What are the 12 steps in AA?
They promote self-awareness, responsibility, and spiritual growth. Visit the AA site to learn more.
8. What self-assessment tests can I take?
You can try MAST, AUDIT, FAST, or CAGE—but always seek a professional evaluation for accuracy.