Addiction makes good people do terrible things..

                                          

                                                 Addiction makes good people do terrible things..

It was on the 5^th October 2022, two women came to my office. On query it was found that they were the attendants of a patient named Bijit Das who was admitted in ICU. The patient was kept on ventilator. One of the women stated that she is the mother in-law of the patient and the other one was the mother. I made them seated comfortably and then enquired about the health of the patient, the mother stated that the he was admitted in a very critical condition but now his condition has improved. They had come to discuss some issues related to patient bill. The mother of the patient told that, her husband died 8years ago, she had three children to take care. The patient was the eldest, the youngest was the daughter and had been married off.

 She also stated that her eldest child (the patient) worked in a furniture fabrication shop. He is very skilled in his job. The second child is studying in a college. He also has undertaken part-time job to meet the day to day expenses.

According to her, he has fallen prey to drugs. He has been taking it from last 8years. He was also in rehabilitation centre for some days. He had recovered and had not taken the substance for some days. During durga  puja he purchased dresses for his child and family members and was very happy. But on the day of the Ashtami he went out along with friends, some body informed the family members that he had become unconsciousness & was immediately brought to the hospital and was admitted in ICU. Looking at his seriousness he was put on ventilator by the doctor. She was not clear whether he had taken injectables or...he powder one..

Myself and one of my team members went to ICU him, he was sleeping. After he woke up, he wanted to meet his mother. The sister on duty called her mother who was sitting out the ICU in the waiting area. As she entered, he started shouting at her, he enquired why she had admitted him in the private hospital instead of GMCH. He also asked the nurses to get him discharged as he is fit.

Hearing this she started crying. We consoled her. She stated that, 3months ago she used to work for a family doing household activities but his son (the patient) did not like it and hence she discontinued. Even her daughter in-law (wife of the patient) was engaged in a private job but she also discontinued as her husband did not like it. They have a child of around 6years of age. And the sole bread earner was on the bed. They were in a very hard time…

In another case a patient named Arun Jain of around 29years was found bed ridden. His body had turned skeletal, dark, swollen belly... On query it was found that he was from a very well to do family, some of his related are in medical profession also. He used to have alcohol on regular basis. He was admitted several times in a hospital for treatment, but after discharge he again started taking alcohol. He was addicted to alcohol. According to one of his relative they have counselled him several times and every step has been taken for his treatment. But he did not change his habit, day by day his health has been deteriorating. His family members are having very tough time...

Addiction can be defined as a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behaviour, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence. 

Drug Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behaviour. When you’re addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause. The earlier you get treatment for drug addiction, the more likely you are to avoid some of the more dire consequences of the disease.

At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel. You may think you can control how much and how often you use it. But over time, drugs change how your brain works. These physical changes can last a long time. They make you lose control and can lead to damaging behaviours.

According to a study, for most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than do women. However, women are just as likely as men to develop a substance use disorder.

Prevent Addiction Before It Starts

There are a lot of ways to prevent addiction. Most of them come down to self-care, relationships, and healthy coping skills. Even if preventing addiction isn’t your top priority, doing these things will benefit your mental health and allow you to live a happier, more fulfilled life. Here are 5 practical addiction prevention tips.

1. EDUCATE YOUTH

One of the best and most effective ways to prevent addiction is to educate the youth about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse. People may begin experimenting with drugs or alcohol at an early age, so educating youth is important. While this can be done on a community or school level, the best prevention education comes from parents and role models. This opens up the door for open communication about complex issues, like substance abuse, that can be prevented.

2. TEACH HEALTHY COPING SKILLS

Many people with substance use disorder began using drugs and alcohol to cope with unpleasant emotions, like stress, anxiety, or depression. Some healthy coping skills to use instead of drinking or drugging include:

a. Talking to someone you trust or a therapist

b. Taking a walk or run outdoors

c. Embracing creativity by writing, drawing, painting, or playing an instrument

d. Keeping a journal to express emotions

e. Deep breathing techniques 

f. Prayer and meditation

g. Set aside time for self-care

3. GET INVOLVED IN SOMETHING YOU CARE ABOUT

Finding and participating in a passion or something you care deeply about will motivate you to live more purposefully and healthily. People who find meaning an passion in life are happier and healthier, therefore, less likely to fall into the grips of addiction.

4. STAY CLOSE TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Having healthy relationships is an important part of maintaining one’s mental and emotional health. Not only do friends and family offer support when you are struggling, but human connection is essential. Humans are social creatures. Being able to lean on your friends and family for support is far better than turning to drugs or alcohol.

5. PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Self-care is something so simple, but so easy to neglect. It doesn’t have to be a lavish day at the spa or an extravagant vacation. Self-care comes down to treating the mind, body, and spirit well.  It means eating a nutritious diet, getting enough exercise, and taking time to relax or meditate. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everyday life, but it’s important to slow down and make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

Need Help? It’s Not Too Late

If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, it’s not too late. Asking for help is the first step towards a better life. After seeking treatment, you will be able to apply these tools to your life to help prevent future relapse and stay healthy.

Parents role …

There is sudden rise in cases related to addiction in men as well as women. Alcohol, Smoking has entered each and every house, it has become status symbol, drugs, illicit substances are knocking at  our doors….

    It's time that we take care of our children as well as ourselves. We should keep check on their companions…their habits. Parents are role model for children, they learn from... whatever they observe in their surroundings … we should introspect whether somewhere correction is required in the role model.. ?

                                                                                                                                to be continued........