De-addiction treatment (नशा मुक्ति)
नशा मुक्ति
Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failure. Willpower alone rarely works because the brain's reward system has changed.
Medical treatment makes withdrawal safe, reduces craving and prevents relapse — often without needing admission.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Signs that use has become addiction
- Needing it first thing in the morning
- Needing more to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Shaking, sweating, body ache or restlessness on stopping
- Failed attempts to quit
- Money problems, lying, stealing for the substance
- Family conflict, job loss, health problems
Addictions we treat
- Alcohol (sharab/daru)
- Opium, doda post, smack, heroin, chura
- Tobacco — bidi, cigarette, gutka, khaini
- Ganja, charas, bhang
- Cough syrups, sleeping pills, painkiller tablets
- Mobile, gaming, online betting and pornography
Risk factors
- Starting substance use in teenage years
- Addiction in the family; easy availability
- Untreated depression, anxiety, ADHD or trauma
How it is diagnosed
- Detailed history of each substance: amount, frequency, last use and withdrawal
- Physical examination and blood tests (liver, kidney, blood count, infections when relevant)
- Screening for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts
Our 3-phase treatment
- 1Phase 1 – Assessment and safe detox (days to 2 weeks): medicines to control withdrawal, check-up for liver and other complications
- 2Phase 2 – Anti-craving treatment (months): anti-craving medicines or opioid substitution therapy where suitable, plus counselling
- 3Phase 3 – Relapse prevention: identifying triggers, refusal skills, family therapy, regular follow-up
- 4Treating depression, anxiety or sleep problems that drive use
- 5Admission is advised only when withdrawal is severe or unsafe at home
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Motivational interviewing to build readiness to change
- Relapse-prevention counselling: triggers, cravings and refusal skills
- Family counselling
Guidance for family
- Avoid shaming, threats or locking the person up; these rarely work
- Reward sober days and support treatment visits
When to see a psychiatrist
- Daily use or inability to stop
- Withdrawal symptoms on stopping — do not stop suddenly on your own
- Fits, confusion, or seeing things after stopping alcohol — emergency
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Will anyone else find out about my treatment?
No. Treatment is confidential under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Information is not shared with employers, police or anyone else without your consent.
The person refuses treatment. Can the family consult first?
Yes. Families can consult to learn how to motivate the person without fights (CRAFT approach) and how to handle withdrawal safely.
Is admission necessary?
Most people are treated as outpatients or online. Admission is needed only for severe withdrawal or medical complications.
Related conditions
Related articles
- Stopping alcohol safely: why sudden quitting can be dangerousAfter months of daily drinking, the brain adapts. Stopping suddenly can cause fits and delirium. Here is the safe way.Read →
- How to help a family member with addictionFights, threats and secret medicines rarely work. A practical, evidence-based approach for families.Read →
- Alcohol and your liver: early warning signsFatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis can develop silently with regular drinking. Signs to watch for, tests to ask about and why stopping helps.Read →
- How much alcohol is harmful? Understanding standard drinksIs one peg a day safe? What counts as heavy drinking? Clear facts about alcohol amounts, risks and the AUDIT self-check.Read →
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.