Ans. Addiction is a disease of the brain where the person has the strong desire to use an addictive substance repeatedly and in increasing amount, failing which he is in great distress

Common types of addiction are alcohol ; cannabis ( bhang, ganja, charas, hashish); opioids (opium/kani, heroin/smack/ brown sugar, morphine, codeine – in forms of cough syrups, Nitrazepam or Nitrosun tablets, spasmoproxyvon tablets, contramol tablets and injection); inhalants (dendrite, spray paints) sleeping pills ; Nicotine (cigarettes, chewing tobacco). Other types of addiction are cocaine, phencyclidine or angel dust, different hallucinogens, ketamine etc.

Any occasional or regular use of illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, charas, hashish, ganja or other substances like alcohol, bhang , tobacco etc is called drug use Drug abuse is use of any drug, by self administration, in a manner that deviates from approved social or medical norms. Eg drinking of alcohol occasionally in moderate amount is not drug abuse but use of illegal drugs even occasionally is drug abuse since it is not the social norm. Misuse is generally seen in prescription drugs where a person uses it without the proper advice of a doctor. Common drugs are tramadol, and other sleeping tablets. Withdrawal occurs in an addicted person when he suddenly stops or reduce the amount of drug/alcohol. Common symptoms are tremors of the body, sweating, sudden psychotic behaviour and sudden seizures in alcohol withdrawal; running nose, watering of eyes, severe bodyache (turkey) in heroin (opioid) withdrawal. In drug/alcohol dependence, the person continues to take the substance inspite of knowing about the harmful consequences, neglects other pleasurable activities because most of the time is spent in taking the drug or alcohol.

When the pattern of drug/alcohol use becomes a pattern of abuse, harmful use, shows dependence and withdrawal symptoms, you should approach a doctor.

Patient is attended in a very supportive and friendly environment by experienced doctor and counsellor. OPD services consists of multidisciplinary approach for detoxification, to reduce craving and treat associated psychological problems. IPD services consists of other services like detoxification in a planned manner, life skills training, individual, group and family counselling, physical activities like yoga, gym, outdoor and indoor games and other recreational facilities in addition to hygienic, nutritious and homely food.

We believe in the patient attending our services voluntarily with a family member/guardian as successful treatment depends on the cooperative attitude of the family and the society towards the patient’s disease. Patient is also advised to attend the services with proper identity proof. We also expect the co-operation of the patient for any necessary investigations and referral to other medical services if required.