Addiction is a chronic disease highlighted by compulsive, obsessive seeking and seemingly limitless use of drugs or activities such as Gambling, Sex, Eating and other “highs” even despite destructive and serious consequences. Consequences of addiction can last for years, even decades. These include changes in the brain functions, changes in emotions and reactions, changes in value systems and belief systems, which can lead to destructive and harmful behavior patterns. Addiction usually involves parts of the brain that are responsible for rewards, motivation, memory, pleasure, satisfaction, confidence, control etc. Addiction is also known as a disease with high rates of relapses – which means that the person with the disease of addictions goes through several relapses (cycles of starting to use drugs again and again) before they can manage to recover. Addiction is a tragic, fatal, destructive disease that not only affects the addicted person, but also seriously affects the family members and those close to them.

Drugs are any mood changing or mind-altering substances that have the potential to be abused. There are literally hundreds of substances that can be categorized as "drugs". These include natural substances like (Marijuana, Coca, Opium, Cannabis, Tobacco, Datura, etc.), fermented substances (such as Wine, Toddy, etc.), extracted and purified substances (such as Heroin, Morphine, Cocaine, etc.) synthesized substances (like LSD, Amphetamines, Angel Dust, Meow-Meow, etc.) There are some drugs that are sold legally - these include Wine, Alcohol, Tobacco, etc. There are illegal drugs such as LSD, Marijuana, Cocaine. etc. and there are Prescription Drugs that are commonly abused - which include Cough Syrups, Amphetamines, Stimulants, Sleeping Pills, Muscle Relaxants, legal etc. Besides, there are other substances that are abused, such as, Industrial Glues, Petrol, Rubber Solution, etc. Very simply, Drugs are those substances which cause a change in mood and alters the mind.

YES! Alcohol is a Drug. Although some people would like to classify Alcohol differently, it is technically a drug. Just as other substances like Cocaine or Cough Syrup or Industrial Glue may not appear as Drugs, they still are Drugs for those who have the disease of Addiction. An important reason why Alcohol is not perceived as a Drug is because of its social acceptability, legal availability and pervasive use. However, we should be clear on the single fact that Alcohol Addiction is also Addiction.

Any activity that one indulges in compulsively, which cannot be stopped despite negative consequences can be classified as Addictive behavior or Addiction. These could include Gambling, Compulsive Sexual activities (like Intercourse, Masturbation, Pornography, Voyeurism), Over-eating, Smartphone Usage, Workaholism, Watching Television, ... Anything that activates the pleasure centers of the brain and which cannot be stopped despite affectation or destructive consequences on other areas of one's life can be classified as Addiction.

Millions of people all over the world have managed to abstain from their choice of addiction for long periods. Yes, Recovery is possible in Addiction. Although the path of recovery is slow, with many repeated failures and relapses, it is well documented that with the help of multiple resources such as Rehab Centers, Counselors, Psychiatry, 12-Step and Self-Help Groups, Family Support and Therapy, most addicts are able to turn around their lives to become re-integrated with society. Like any chronic disease like Hypertension or Diabetes, those afflicted with the disease of Addiction need to follow some fundamental lifestyle and behavioral modifications in order to remain in recovery. Anmol Jeevan empowers its patients with the necessary tools to sustain recovery from Addiction.

Dealing with the Addict or Addiction is not easy. It is painful, time-consuming and frustrating to try and cope with a person suffering from an Addiction. Addiction being a highly complex condition, there is no single way to deal with it. A combination of effective strategies is used all over the world for best treatment outcomes. Based on scientific research some key principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program: 1. Staying in treatment long enough 2. Medications and Detoxification wherever necessary. 3. Counseling and other behavioral therapies for Relapse prevention 4. Dynamic treatment strategies that are reviewed often and modified to fit the patients’ changing needs. 5. Addressing other possible co-existing mental conditions. 6. Continuous Monitoring. 7. Long-term follow-up. 8. Self-Help and 12-Step Groups. 9. Family Counseling and Therapy. It has been found that using a combination of techniques and approaches, one is able to more effectively deal with the problem of Addiction and optimize results.

Certainly! Like most conditions, Addiction too, can be prevented. Prevention should begin at an early age and should include the following. 1. Good Wholesome Relationships in an atmosphere of mutual Trust, Respect, Love and Freedom. A non-judgmental approach to parenting should be adopted. 2. Plenty of Exercise and adequate Nutrition 3. Close watch over and consumption of safe and healthy TV Programs, Internet Content, Books, etc. 4. Healthy two-way communications 5. Monitoring of peer groups, friends and neighborhood 6. Complete Information, Education and Awareness about various Drugs, their consequences and what it can do to them. 7. Close workings with Schools, Teachers, Coaches and Counselors to deal with growing up issues, coping up issues, academic performances, etc. 8. Spiritual, Value based lifestyles. 9. Deglamorizing Addiction and Drugs at every opportunity - especially when celebrities and icons are shown to indulge in such habits. These are some of the ways to prevent and create an awareness about Drugs and Addiction. If you would like Anmol Jeevan to conduct an Awareness Program on Addiction, in your School, College, Housing Complex, Organization, please feel free to contact us.