Dr. Vijaylakshmi
Consultant Psychiatrist
Cadabam’S Group
Well, all of us have our own views and experiences about people who struggle with their addictions – simply called – habits. Other words in use are alcoholic, drug addict etc. It is good to name them as a person with problems to each substance rather than using words which make a negative connotation. This group of people may exhibit a range of behaviors related to lack of control in use of a variety of chemicals or substances like tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, or activities like gambling, playing internet games, watching porn films, being involved in sexual relationships. In brief, people affected by this illness tend to use excessively a substance or any activity that imbalances other parts of the individual’s life and affects him and those surrounding him in different subtle ways and interferes with normal life.
Some of these disorders have been clearly identified and researched while few have got a negative connotation and such people are looked at differently in the society in general and family in particular. Some of these groups of disorders are still not discussed openly or awareness regarding them is still low.
Many of us are unaware that inability to use time fruitfully – to be productive and satisfactory to self and others is an indicator towards lack of mental well-being. For some people this may not manifest as symptoms. According to WHO, Health is defined as well being in physical, psychological, social and spiritual areas and not mere absence of disease or illness. Hence it is essential to look into this aspect during active treatment interventions and follow up recovery period of individuals with chemical dependence.
Life for all is a series of adjustments between individual needs and collective appropriateness and feasibility. Some of us are able to gear up and take stressors as challenges and prove ourselves while others want to take the easy path by trying to find joy however short lasting and repeating such acts in futility even after gaining information and experience which are contrary.
The other day a young boy of 17 years was brought to me for his habit of taking marijuana since last four years. It is indeed sad to see how very young people are getting into these chemicals. It is not only the people with money, even rag pickers as young as 10 years have been known to be dependent on variety of chemicals.
There has been an ongoing debate about the nature-nurture controversy regarding this difficulty. Many will argue that ethical, moral weaknesses should not be covered by labeling as sickness and expect the society to be kind, compassionate and tolerant of such people. Like all other illnesses there is a contributing role of genetics and social environment.
Whatever the arguments or counter arguments – the fact remains that there are people who are unable to lead normal lives and their choices, preferences and their overall behavior in society creates difficulties for themselves and their significant others or even strangers as for example when an intoxicated person drives on the roads. Hence more often such people will be brought for medical attention by their family or by police.
Like with many other health problems, we as a society need to be aware and take steps for its prevention. Early detection and adequate and continuous treatment are very essential so as to ensure full recovery. Denying, minimizing, wishing it away, trying to solve it within the family are all inadequate methods to handle such an issue. The best way to care for such people is to get professional help. Most often it becomes difficult as the individual does not cooperate.
In most cases bringing the affected person for the necessary treatment is an uphill task. It may be several years before the person reaches a state to agree for seeking help. Even when some families forcibly try to get help – the client very often feels cheated, violated and holds resentment against them.
This subject matter is vast and I plan to pen my thoughts about a few issues that I feel are important in treatment of people with these disorders.
The main goal of all intervention – is to help to maintain abstinence and give them tools to build a healthy and long lasting program of recovery. Treatment plan needs to be tailor-made for individual needs though broad principles remain common. An interactive team approach with good support, cooperation and understanding from the close family and friends goes a long way in ensuring recovery.
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It also provides the facility for family members to stay along with the patient; who gives them a better understanding of the……..
A chemical known as serotonin in the brain, has strong affects on an individual’s mood. The abnormalities in the serotonin chemistry…..
Still due to a cultural and religious association with the preparations a small amount of usage has permission in certain places of…….
It creates a sense of euphoria and increased energy in a person. The effect is almost immediate, which lures a person for a little…….
I always turned to my brother whenever I had any significant decisions to make in my life. When my brother was diagnosed…………
When a friend or a family member would come to you to discuss an issue they are having, we are ready (always) to dispense our ……………..
Watching your loved one struggling to remember something or feel challenged to even perform simple daily task can become quite………..
Keep a track of patterns which trigger or heighten the symptoms like confusion, agitation or irritation. This can include things……….
where most couples swear by ‘janam, janam ka bandhan’ socio-economic complexities are increasingly casting their shadows…….
A conclusive evidence about its effectiveness is yet to emerge. Though in numerous cases it is found to be effective. Some experts…….
Although there are some known risk factors associated with the PPD it is very seldom that we find there is sufficient awareness……….
You can plan a nature walk in areas near your home. Please be realistic about the distance they can walk without any trouble. The objective…………
The manager or the employer can work for creation of a more conducive work atmosphere for optimal realization of employees’ potential….
Atleast 8 lakh people die of suicide every year around the world. While that many die, there are 20 times more people who have………
hings like fastening a button, switching on a light, picking up something or even walking becomes difficult without help. Although……….