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Dr Seema P Uthaman

Vice Principal.

IMHANS,Calicat

Dr Krishan Sony

Additional Professor (Clinical Psychology), Dept. of Psychiatry.

PGIMER, Chandigarh

Ms Manasi Jain

Clinical Psychologist, Former Scholar.

NIMHANS

Yes, medicines are helpful in gettig out of the addictions under the strict guidance and observation of the doctor. Medicines help manage the withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug craving.

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

Yes, a person can be addicted to one or more substances. When a person is addicted to at least three different classes of substances (Alcohol, opiates, cannabis, amphetamines, hallucinogens, inhalants and benzodiazepines) without any specific preference it is called as Polysubstance Dependence. Adolescents and young adults have greater chances of using multiple substances. The treatment for multiple substance addictions is much more challenging and usually requires close monitoring through admission to a substance rehabilitation unit where both medical and psychological treatments are provided. People start using polysubstance to experience greater relaxation and more sedative effects. With each addition the negative side effects of each drug are also magnified. If you know of anyone addicted to multiple substances, encourage them to seek medical help to overcome the addiction.

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

Drugs are substances that change a person’s mental or physical state. They can affect the way your brain works, how you feel and behave, your understanding and your senses. This makes them unpredictable and dangerous, especially for young people.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 'Psychoactive drugs are substances that, when taken in or administered into one's system, affect mental processes, e.g. perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions. Psychoactive drugs belong to a broader category of psychoactive substances that include also alcohol and nicotine.  “Psychoactive” does not necessarily imply dependence-producing, and in common parlance, the term is often left unstated, as in “drug use”, “substance use” or “substance abuse'. Production, distribution, sale or non-medical use of many psychoactive drugs is either controlled or prohibited outside legally sanctioned channels by law. Psychoactive drugs have different degrees of restriction of availability, depending on their risks to health and therapeutic usefulness, and classified according to a hierarchy of schedules at both national and international levels.

There are legal and illegal drugs available in the society. For example 

  • legal – for example, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol
  • illegal – for example, cocaine or heroin.

 

 

 

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

ज्यादा समय तक अनियंत्रित नशा करने से बहुत तरह की समस्याएं खड़ी होती हैं

१. सबसे पहले आपके शारीरिक स्वास्थ्य पर कारण असर और नुकसान

२. मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर गंभीर प्रभाव

३. परिवार में संबंधों में दरार

४. नौकरी छूट जाने का भरी अवसर

५. आर्थिक परेशानियां

६. जीवन खोने की संभावना

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

ज्यादा समय तक अनियंत्रित नशा करने से बहुत तरह की समस्याएं खड़ी होती हैं

१. सबसे पहले आपके शारीरिक स्वास्थ्य पर कारण असर और नुकसान

२. मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर गंभीर प्रभाव

३. परिवार में संबंधों में दरार

४. नौकरी छूट जाने का भरी अवसर

५. आर्थिक परेशानियां

६. जीवन खोने की संभावना

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

सबसे पहले हमें यह समझना होगा कि नशा एक बीमारी है और उससे बाहर आने के लिए चिकित्सक और मानसिक सहायता की जरूरत पड़ती है।

नशे से पीड़ित इंसान को प्यार से समझाएं और चिकित्सक की मदद लेने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करें। डी एडिक्शन सेंटर या नशा मुक्त केंद्र जाके बिना नशे के जीने का अनुभव करें।

उन्हें मनोवैज्ञानिक से बात करने के लिए भी प्रोत्साहित करें जिससे वह अपने जीवन के किसी भी प्रकार के तनाव को नशे के बिना झेल सकें। 

उनके लिए एक अच्छा उदाहरण बने जो नशे के बिना सुखी जीवन व्यतीत करता है।

आप सहायता समूह (support groups)  की मदद भी ले सकते हैं। ऐल्कोहॉलिक्स एनोनिमस (Alcoholics Anonymous) एक ऐसा सपोर्ट ग्रुप है जहां शराब की लत से पीड़ित लोग एक दूसरे की सहायता करते हैं इससे बाहर निकलने में।

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

लोग नशा कई कारणों से करते हैं। उनमें कुछ मुख्य कारण हैं:

 

१. नशे से मिलने वाले अस्थाई शारीरिक आनंद का अनुभव उठाने के लिए

२. किसी समूह ( दोस्तों )का हिस्सा बनने के लिए वो उस समूह की आदतों को अपना लेते हैं

३. मानसिक और शारीरिक दर्द से निपटने के लिए

४. अकेलेपन को लड़ने के लिए

५.  जिन लोगों ने बचपन से उसका इस्तेमाल करते हुए बड़ों ( परिवार में या समाज में) को देखा होता है वो कम उम्र में ही सीख जाते है

६. कुछ लोगों के व्यक्तित्व में आवेगशीलता और जोखिम उठाने की प्रवृत्ति होती है उन्हें नशे की आदत लगने की सम्भावना ज्यादा हो सकती है


शुरुआत किसी भी कारण से हो एक बार नशे की लत लग जाती है उसे बाहर निकलना कठिन होता है।
बहुत बार लोग एक पहले अनुभव के लिए शुरू करते हैं और उसमें फंसते चले जाते हैं।

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

To quit pan masala, start by gradually reducing your intake to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Replace the habit with healthier alternatives like chewing gum or eating fruits, and seek support from a healthcare professional or support group to stay on track and manage cravings.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

To quit Gutkha, seek professional help and consider nicotine replacement therapy to manage withdrawal. Gradually reduce intake, stay busy with distractions, and build a strong support system to stay on track.

 

Gradually reduce consumption by cutting down the amount of Gutkha you consume each day until you're no longer dependent on it.

Use nicotine replacement (like gum or patches) to help manage cravings, and consider seeking support from a counselor or support group for better guidance.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

To stop smoking, set a quit date, identify your triggers, and use nicotine replacement therapies like gum or patches. Seek support from a healthcare professional or support group, and replace smoking with healthier habits to manage cravings.

 

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

India mein alcohol use ko rokne ke liye shiksha, awareness programs, aur rehabilitation centers ka support zaroori hai. Sakht kanoon aur social norms mein badlav bhi iss process ko safal bana sakte hain.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

To stop drinking and smoking, start by setting clear goals and seeking professional help, like therapy or support groups. Use tools like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking and consider medications or counseling for alcohol, while avoiding triggers and focusing on healthy habits to stay motivated.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

To quit smoking, set a quit date, identify your triggers, and use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches or gum. Seek support from professionals or support groups, stay active, and reward yourself for milestones to stay motivated.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Chutkara paane ke liye aapko apne iradon ko majboot karna hoga aur thoda dhairya rakhna padega. Aapko professional help jaise de-addiction programs, therapy, aur support groups ki madad leni chahiye. Apne triggers ko samajhkar unse door rehna, doston aur parivar ka support lena, aur healthy activities (jaise exercise ya hobbies) mein apna dhyan laga kar aap apna control wapas paa sakte hain.

 

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Nicotine is a naturally occurring chemical found in tobacco plants. It is a highly addictive substance that affects the brain, creating feelings of pleasure and alertness, but it can also lead to dependence and long-term health problems, especially when consumed through smoking or vaping.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Nasha se chuttkara paane ke liye sabse pehle apne iradon ko majboot banana zaroori hai. Aapko professional help jaise therapy, de-addiction programs, aur medications (jaise nicotine patches ya buprenorphine) ka sahara lena pad sakta hai. Apne triggers ko pehchankar unse door rehna aur support system (doston, parivar, ya support groups) ka sahara lena bhi madadgar ho sakta hai.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Alcohol consumption should always be approached with caution and responsibility. It’s important to adhere to health guidelines and remain mindful of how alcohol may impact decision-making, professionalism, and personal well-being

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

To help your friend, express care without judgment, share the health risks of nicotine, and suggest healthier alternatives. Lead by example and offer your support, but remember, the choice to quit must come from them.

  • Be Supportive, Not Judgmental: Express concern without criticizing. For example, say, “I care about you and I’m worried about the impact nicotine might have on your health.”

  • Offer Information: Share facts about the risks of nicotine, like addiction, health problems, and long-term effects. Make sure it's in a helpful, non-lecturing way.

  • Encourage Alternatives: Suggest healthier ways to cope with stress or social situations that don’t involve nicotine, like exercising or engaging in hobbies.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

A vape is a device that heats a liquid (e-liquid or vape juice) containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to create an aerosol, which is inhaled. It's often marketed as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but it still carries health risks, including nicotine addiction.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Quitting talab pan masala involves breaking both the nicotine addiction and the habit—start by reducing use gradually, using substitutes like nicotine gum if needed. Support from a doctor, counseling, and avoiding triggers can make the process easier and more effective.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Quitting smoking works by gradually retraining your brain to function without nicotine while managing withdrawal symptoms. creating a personalized quit plan, suggesting effective strategies and treatments, and offering daily support and motivation.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Immediate stoppage of alcohol or drug use, especially after long-term use, can lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, sweating, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures, hallucinations, or even life-threatening conditions like delirium tremens (DTs) in alcohol withdrawal. Medical supervision is often essential to ensure safety during detox.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Yes, songs with alcohol references can glamorize drinking, influencing teens to view alcohol use as trendy or socially rewarding. This may contribute to risky behaviors, early alcohol use, and public health issues like addiction and impaired judgment.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Depending on the client's condition, psychiatrists may prescribe medications commonly used in the de-addiction process, such as:

  • Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone – for managing opioid addiction.

  • Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate – for treating alcohol dependence.

  • Bupropion and Varenicline (Chantix) – for nicotine cessation.

These medications aid in reducing cravings, alleviating withdrawal symptoms, and preventing relapse, forming a key part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

 

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

You're showing real strength by wanting to quit—nicotine addiction, combined with anxiety and a triggering environment, makes it incredibly tough. A mix of medical support, therapy, and gradual habit change can help you break free and feel more in control.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Dear Friend, thanks for your query. I appreciate that you recognise smoking weed is not good for you and have made attempts to quit it. To come out of any addiction you need family and professional support in addition to your own determination to quit. I surely think you can come out of it, if you make more consistent efforts and not get demotivated by your past experiences to quit. I would like to advise you to visit a psychiatrist nearby, de-addiction/rehabilitation centre or a medical professional to take this forward. You can also consider sharing your story with someone you trust in your family. I am hopeful they will be able to help you by getting access to the right emotional and medical support you need.

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

The risk of Addictions lurks for everyone. Although some people have higher chances of getting addicted than others. It depends on multiple factors. Some of them are Genetics: If you have a family history of addictions you are more likely to get one Environmental: lack of parental involvement or abuse/neglect increase chances of addictions, Peer pressure can lead a person to try hazardous and more addictive substances, and availability of alcohol or drugs in your social circle also increase chances of addiction Psychological: People with ‘negative emotionality’ that is people who experience negative emotions like irritability, anger, sadness has greater risk of falling prey to addictions. Psychological stress can also lead a person to try substances to feel relieved temporarily Age: Earlier the use, greater the chance of addiction. Adolescents and young adults (18-24yrs) are more likely to getting addicted to substances Type of Drug used: drugs like cocaine and heroine have severely painful withdrawal symptoms and so are much more addictive than alcohol Method of use: Drugs that are smoked or injected into your body tend to be more addictive as they directly go to the bloodstream and brain than those that you swallow where passing through liver can lead to some filtration Mental Illness: A person who is mentally ill is more prone to addictions and a person who is addicted are more likely to develop a mental illness or experience worsening of already existing symptoms

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

Withdrawal symptoms are a combination of physical and mental side effects a person experiences while trying to either stop or reduce the use of the substance they have been using or are addicted to. These are usually unpleasant experiences which make it difficult to reduce or quit the substance. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms are nausea, vomiting, restlessness, tremors, disturbance in mood (irritability, depression, anxiety), lack of sleep, body pains, craving for the substance, running nose etc Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. The intensity and duration of the withdrawal symptoms depends on many factors like the genetic/biological makeup of the person, the type and time of drug abused, the age and psychological characteristics of the person. With the right medical support, it becomes much easier to deal with the withdrawal symptoms and there is a high hope for success in quitting the substance.

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

Yes, Addiction of any kind (Substance use or behavioural addictions) are classified as Mental Illness. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which is a United States federal government research institute supporting scientific research on drug use, classifies Addictions as Mental disorder/Illness.  Even the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which underlines criterions for all mental disorders, includes criterion for Drug Abuse and Drug Dependence. The fact that Addiction is a mental illness means that it is not a moral failing or lack of will power on the part of the person who is addicted. Substance abuse leads to changes in the brain structure and function in such a way that it leads to more craving for the drug and a person is not able to quit despite repeated efforts to quit using his/her Will power. The person’s ability to learn, remember, reason, and make decisions is compromised. Many times, addictions also co-exist with other mental illnesses like depression. That’s why, treatment of addictions follows a specific treatment protocol which includes medical, psychological, and social assistance. If you know of anyone who is addicted, try to not blame them for it rather help them access the right medical support to overcome it. 

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

1.Try "one day at a time", that is, while getting up in the morning, decide not to use the substance for that particular day. It is easy to follow. Make sure to repeat this everyday. 2. Recognize triggers and avoid them 3. Avoid tempting situations 4. Distract yourself 5. Engage yourself in other pleasurable activities

Answered by: Dr Seema P Uthaman

1. Addiction is an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. 2. The time required for de addiction of different substances can vary. 3. Withdrawal management is a large part of the medical detox process. It refers to the medical and psychological care of patients who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms as a result of stopping or significantly reducing use of the drug with which they developed a dependence. With many substances, medical detox provides the safest, most comfortable setting for withdrawal management. While in detox, patients can safely rid their bodies of the toxic influence of substances under the care of medical professionals, who can monitor vital signs, such as high body temperature or high blood pressure, and administer medications to prevent or manage severe symptoms.

Answered by: Dr Seema P Uthaman

Immediate stoppage of alcohol/ drug abuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Acute drug withdrawal is a physiological response to the sudden quitting or slowing of use of a substance to which the body has grown dependent on. The various types of drug withdrawal syndromes may involve different combinations of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms—some of which can prove dangerous if left unmanaged.

Answered by: Dr Seema P Uthaman

First, you need to understand more about drug addiction, its impact on the physical, psychological, familial, social and financial aspects. Once you are aware, you can point out few areas and ask the person to think about the reasons for problems in these areas of functioning. Make sure not to blame the person. You can set some limits and tell the person about the consequences of crossing those limits. Provide him materials to read/ watch about drug addiction. Let him know that seeking help is a positive way of coping with a problem and offer your support.

Answered by: Dr Seema P Uthaman

Detoxification refers to either recovering from addiction or literally removing or neutralizing a poisonous substance. In alternative health, it has a much fuzzier meaning of removing unspecified "toxins" from the body. In deaddiction center or hospital majorly they concerns with two main objective 1. to control withdrawal symptoms 2. detoxification of the body through various drug/fluid/injectable

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Thats depend on many factor like nature of substance which he is taking, motivation, medical condition, any withdrawal symptoms

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

in other way round lets say that drinking alcohol in moderation generally is not a cause for concern or small amount of alcoholic beverage is unlikely to harm your health, but it can lead to so many other issues like dependency, tolerance and sometime drinking in excess can have substantial negative effects on your body and well-being.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

yes, due to chronic use of substance/drugs can lead to both short- and long-term changes in the brain, which can lead to mental illness like schizophrenia, affective disorder (depression or mania), aggression, suspiciousness, hallucinations,

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

I really appreciate this question. There are few signs which can give you some hint related to physical, behavioural changes in somebody's which can be indicative that he may be taking some type of drugs: Behavioral problems and poor grades in school or problems in social relationship, Emotional distancing, isolation, depression, or fatigue, overly influenced by peers, irritability, Lying behaviour, decrease in interest in personal appearance, if you observe some physical changes, such as bloodshot eyes, runny nose, frequent sore throats, and rapid weight loss, sudden mood changes, eating, or sleeping patterns, Dizziness and memory problems, Unusual odor on breath (alcohol, inhalants, marijuana). Spending too much time in washroom, coming late , spending too much money or demanding These can be few signs from that you can make some infer

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

Hi, I am glad that till now you have not given in to the peer pressure to use harmful substances. It is a sign of courage and wisdom to stand by your decision when everyone around is being different. At the same time, I totally understand it may not be so easy if they keep pressurizing you to take such substances. But remember it is absolutely right to say ‘NO’. What everyone seems to be doing is not correct. Stick to what you believe in and donot worry about what others think about you. You can also discuss with your friends that you want to stay away from such substances for specific reasons. Real friends, who think about your well-being, will not pressurize you. And if your peers continue to pressurise you, you may have to reconsider spending too much time with them. You can also take support from the hostel authorities in dealing with the situation if it goes out of control. It will help to be consistent and assertive when you say “NO’ Avoid meeting them when they use the substances like in a party, late night etc Reconsider having a different set of friends or group to socialise. Develop hobbies that will keep you busy. Enter these situations with other friends who don't use these substances, so that you have a support for your decision and are not handling the situation alone. It is possible that when you stand firm on your decision to not take the substances, few others may also get motivated to quit. You are on the right path.

Answered by: Ms Manasi Jain

Asking someone to stop using drugs without hurting depends mainly on how close your friendship is. A good friend will definitely understand your concern and will not get hurt. I would suggest that you help and support your friend to consult a trained mental health professional and overcome the habit through proper treatment.

Answered by: Dr Seema P Uthaman

Yes, cannabis is an addictive substance. Like any other drugs of abuse, cannabis also affect the brain. Research shows that cannabis use during adolescence and young adulthood is associated with impaired functional connectivity in the brain and corresponding declines in intelligence. It is a misconception that cannabis use increases creativity. In fact the long term use of cannabis can lead to dependency, that is the loss of control over the use of the substance.

Answered by: Dr Seema P Uthaman

Marijuana has mind-altering compounds that affect both brain and body. It can be addictive, and  may be harmful to some people’s health. It often can leave you anxious, afraid, or panicked. sometime complex effects  have on the cardiovascular system, including raising heart rate, palpitation etc. Research suggests that the risk of heart attack is several times higher. it may raise  chances for depression or worsen the symptoms of any mental disorders.  These effects are more common when a person takes too much, the marijuana has an unexpectedly high potency, or the person is inexperienced. People who takes large doses of marijuana may experience an acute psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions.

Answered by: Dr Krishan Sony

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