WE are all tempted by vices.
Be it a ritual that you cannot do without, or a consuming passion that you can’t get out of your mind, or perhaps a habit that you’ve been trying to shake off but keeps dogging you.
We all have such vices and temptations that enter and exit (maybe) our lives.
Some vices were not viewed as such in the past.
Smoking was a relaxing pastime and its addictive nature meant tobacco companies grew into giant global businesses.
Technology And Vices
But technology and scientific discovery have played a big hand in unearthing the true nature of addictive vices, and legislation enacted to protect the public from the harmful effects of smoking, drugs, gambling, drinking….
As smokers became the pariahs of society — forced to furtively puff in designated areas and subjected to punitive measures for failing to do so — the industry tapped into technology to come up with less harmful alternatives.
Vapes exploded onto the scene, along with nicotine patches and heat not burn alternatives.
The role of technology in the rise of devices to cater to the needs of those managing their vices, can be seen in other areas.
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For Better Or Worse
The smartphone lets you swipe away in search of sins of the flesh, or order your alcohol and food to gorge on, or stream programmes to binge watch.
Even as the new ways are making deep inroads into enhancing the experience of reducing the harm levels, not all countries are on the same page. Some are more lenient, others prefer to wait and see, and some grip tightly to the old methods.
Device For Discussion
The STORM-ASIA discussion, Vices & Devices, shed light on the broader issue of vices and addictions in society and the various devices — be it paraphernalia or government methods of intervention. The inaugural discussion, held at 27 Ann Siang Road, raised a variety of issues via the panel as well as the invited audience.
The Panellists
Viswa Sadasivan, Public Policy Consultant
Viswa Sadasivan is regarded as one of Singapore’s influential thinkers; an opinion leader and advocate of its evolving socio-political space, with over 35 years of media experience, as a practitioner and policy maker. A former Nominated Member of Parliament, he is the founder of corporate strategy and communications consulting practice, Strategic Moves, and IQ (Inconvenient Questions), a video-based socio-political site.
Sean Ang, Nicotine Cessation Counsellor
Sean Ang is a nicotine cessation counsellor at Success Alliance Enrichment and is a community pharmacist. He has been in the field for 14 years, working with those suffering from addiction issues. He is a volunteer with the Singapore Prison Service.
Dr Matthew Lee, Public Health Specialist
Dr Matthew Lee is an accredited specialist in Public Health with experience in different healthcare sectors; from policymaking and regulation at the national level to the management of business operations at hospitals and a multinational health-technology company
Claudine Ho, cancer survivor
Claudine used to be a heavy smoker having begun at the start of her career; a reaction to both the demands of her chosen profession as well as part of the social environment of event management. She has considered many avenues to address her dependence on cigarettes over the years but did not find any of these solutions sufficient.
Until she developed cancer, as a result of smoking.
Public policy consultant, Viswa Sadasivan, spoke about how public policy plays an important role in not just appeasing the masses, but also catering to the needs of smaller communities.
The impact of addictions on society due to their easy availability — the disruption to the family structure and the challenges of bringing them back into society — was an issue that nicotine cessation counsellor, Sean Ang addressed.
Public health specialist, Dr Matthew Lee, gave a broad overview of the public health policy in Singapore, and the reasons for differences in approach in various countries.
Claudine Ho, a cancer survivor, shared her own journey, which contextualised the discussions around the impact of addiction on lifestyles.
The session was moderated by Kannan Chandran, Publisher of STORM-ASIA.COM.
Members of the audience contributed to the various issues raised, bringing anecdotes and perspectives to provide a broader appreciation of the issue at hand; and driving home the point that one size doesn’t fit all.
