Fake or real: is addiction increasing in India?

Fake or real: is addiction increasing in India?

It’s not always easy to get into rehab, but once you’re in, it’s even harder to stay there and recover from your addiction and the cravings that come with it. However, there are many centers that offer effective treatment, as long as you find the right one. Here’s how to do it. India has always been the country with high rate of addiction, especially to drugs and alcohol, but the problem seems to be getting bigger and bigger recently, so much that many rehab centers are mushrooming across the country in response to the increasing demand of people looking to overcome addiction. While there are plenty of cases of fake rehabilitation centres preying on desperate families trying to deal with their addicted loved ones, there are also institutions that have proven track records of helping addicts recover and start a new life while still holding on to their sobriety. How can one tell which rehab center to choose? And do they even work at all? How to tell if someone is an addict When we talk about addicts, it’s easy to think of common drug addictions like heroin or cocaine. But some drugs can lead to addiction much more quickly than others. And there are many other types of addictions that aren’t as commonly known. Looking for signs of addiction is a lot easier if you know what to look for and where on your loved one’s body you should look. Here are some of those things to watch out for. If you see any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to get help, as addiction is increasing day by day. There are resources available and options available to help with an addiction problem. The longer an addict goes without treatment, the harder it will be for them to break free from their dependency on substances. Addicts need support and encouragement—not judgment—when trying to beat their dependencies. If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Instead, seek professional help immediately. How rehab helps alcoholics and drug addicts Rehab is a treatment option for addicts and alcoholics. It helps them to get rid of their addictions. This helps them to live normal lives again without any substance abuse. There are various options available for those who want to recover from addiction. One can attend self-help groups, join support groups, talk to loved ones or therapists, etc. Talking about drug rehabilitation centers, there are many such facilities across India that help people get rid of their addiction problems and such facility centers are also increasing. These centers provide excellent counselling services along with other amenities like proper diet and medication. They also have experienced staff members who guide patients through the recovery process step by step. A well-reputed drug rehabilitation center will be able to provide you with all these services at an affordable price. In addition to helping you overcome your addiction, they will also make sure that your health does not deteriorate during your stay at their facility. The best part about these centers is that they do not only focus on treating addiction, but also work towards preventing relapse among their patients. Some of them even provide aftercare services for some time after one has completed his/her treatment program to ensure sobriety. If you are looking for a good rehabilitation center, then contact us today! We would love to help you out! Should you go to Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous If you’re an addict, and you believe that AA/NA is part of your solution to recovery, I can’t tell you whether you are that AA/NA does work for some—those who have found a spirituality (or religion) that works for them. If going means something to you and if it provides a sense of community and support for which you wouldn’t otherwise have been able to find elsewhere, then certainly go. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The important thing is to be honest with yourself about why you’re going and what you hope to get out of it. Don’t just do it because everyone else goes because while there may be many other addicts at AA/NA meetings, they may be there for entirely unique reasons than yours. And don’t think that you need to go every day; often one meeting per week is enough. And don’t try to compare yourself to others; each person has their path and their struggles. It’s up to you to decide how much AA/NA helps you, but know that it won’t hurt. Why do AA/NA groups help AA and NA groups provide a space where recovering addicts can connect with other members who know what they’re going through. Occasionally, those feelings can be difficult to put into words, but when an addict opens up about his experience at a meeting, it can inspire another member who might have been struggling to find her voice. There are many times that individuals fall back into using because they don’t feel like they belong anywhere else. AA/NA meetings provide an outlet for individuals to feel welcomed and loved again. The fellowship of AA/NA meetings is often described as the family you choose. The sense of belonging is one of the most important aspects of recovery from addiction. If you want to help someone who is suffering from addiction, try attending a meeting yourself! You will meet some great people there and learn more about how you can help your loved one get sober. Additionally, if you ever need support or guidance while dealing with a friend or family member who is suffering from addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow members of AA/NA, as the rate of addiction is increasing day by day. They understand what you are going through and will do whatever they can to help. Many experts believe that open-mindedness and willingness on behalf of friends and family is vital for an individual looking to overcome addiction. What happens in Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) meetings? AA/NA meetings provide fellowship, mutual aid

5 Addictions You Must Have Developed During COVID-19

It’s no secret that COVID-19 is one of the most arduous, stressful, and addicting courses on campus—but with that said, it’s also the most rewarding course (seriously!). It’s this type of reward that has made every single Covid-19 student develop five addictions over the course of their time in this class. Whether you took this class last semester or are about to take it next semester, you have probably developed at least one of these five addictions during your time in this covid-19. Take this quiz to see which addiction(s) you’ve developed! An addiction is defined as the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, such as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. We definitely have many addictions we acquired during COVID-19. Maybe some of them you’re aware of, but there are also some that you might not have noticed… yet. Don’t worry; this list will help you deal with all your problems by guiding you through the path of recovery and find yourself in the sunnier days. Let’s begin: 1) Dependence on social media notifications Nothing is more excruciating than waiting for a little red notification bubble to show up. Don’t worry, though; you’re not alone. A quick search of addiction to social media notifications turns up enough results to make your phone look like it’s smoking. This is no surprise, as countless studies are documenting Facebook and Instagram use correlated with depression and anxiety issues (hello… validation seeking!). Time to give yourself a break from all those notifications. Step away from your phone and be mindful of how much time you spend scrolling through feeds that can never truly satisfy. It may feel counterintuitive at first, but being present in life will improve both mental health and overall happiness—so take some time to reflect on what really matters most. And if anyone tries to get you back into FOMO mode? Block them. Your mental health is worth it. How do I even know I have a problem? There are several self-assessments available online if you want to determine where your level of dependence lies. For example, one quick questionnaire divides levels of severity into four categories: Not at all true, Somewhat true, Very true or Extremely true when answering questions about needing help to stay off social media and feeling an urge to check notifications throughout daily activities. 2) Need to know what people think of you One of our greatest needs is validation. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of worrying about what other people think about you. But, as long as your views on yourself are positive, it doesn’t matter what others think. Keep true to who you are and have faith that you have value to offer—your peers will start believing it too. In reality, most people don’t care much about you or anyone else around them; they are just going through their lives and would rather not be bothered by yours. The only way to find out what people really think of you is to ask them directly; however, don’t take it personally if they respond with something negative or say nothing at all! Some things are better left unsaid. Instead, focus on creating meaningful relationships with those who share similar values. Furthermore, try putting yourself in someone else’s shoes; chances are you won’t like what you see. Just because we can judge ourselves harshly doesn’t mean we should also expect others to do so—and remember that your opinion of someone isn’t necessarily how they view themselves, either. When interacting with others, remember that everyone has a story to tell and things aren’t always as they seem. Your role is simply to listen and empathize. To make an impact, though, you must first learn how to understand people on an emotional level. This involves actively listening (not just waiting for your turn to talk) and practising empathy (putting yourself in another person’s shoes). These skills help build strong interpersonal relationships—something essential for success both professionally and personally. 3) Struggling with waking up Not only during covid-19 but most of us have at least one or more bad habits or addictions that are keeping us from reaching our full potential. For many of you, it might be going to bed late and having trouble waking up in time for your morning classes. Regardless of whether you’re struggling with an addiction that keeps you up at night or makes you sleep through your alarms, we can all relate to being late for class and feeling like a zombie during the day! That said, if you find yourself consistently late for class because of oversleeping, make sure to set multiple alarms throughout your room so that you don’t miss any more lectures. Also try setting out clothes and packing bags ahead of time so that when it comes time to wake up, there are fewer steps between hitting snooze and heading out the door. Finally, remember that even though you may feel tired during lecture, taking notes will help keep you engaged and alert. The best way to combat falling asleep is to stay awake! And remember: caffeine is not a substitute for sleep; drinking coffee before class only masks your exhaustion, rather than fixing it. So instead of grabbing a cup of joe on your way to class, prioritize sleep by going to nearly enough each night. If you still struggle with staying awake during lectures, consider seeking professional advice from Counseling Services—they can help identify underlying issues and. Offer strategies for overcoming them. 4) Getting addicted to caffeine When you have a block of code that’s simply not working, or when you can’t figure out why your server is running so slowly, reach for a caffeinated soda. When there are only five minutes until class starts, and you realize you forgot to make notes from yesterday, one (or three When) Mountain Dews will do. But as

6 most common excuses addicts give to avoid treatment

They Would Rather Not Be Embarrassed One of the common reasons for excuses given by addicts to avoid treatment is when they feel embarrassed. There’s an immense fear of public shaming among addicts, who don’t want anyone—family, friends, or colleagues—to know about their addiction. In numerous instances, they are dealing with some kind of trauma that may have been caused by others judging them. The good news is that you can overcome your embarrassment by realizing that your addiction is not a reflection on you as a person; it’s a reflection on what you were going through at the time. Once you realize there is nothing to be embarrassed about, it will be easier for you to seek help. You’ll also need to recognize that seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak; in fact, it takes strength to ask for assistance when you need it. You should also think about creating a plan for telling loved ones and family members once you decide to get clean. A professional counsellor can work with you on how best to go about telling those close to you, so they can provide support while respecting your privacy at the same time. They Don’t Think They Are Addicted Most people believe that only certain types of people become addicted. In reality, addiction knows no boundaries when it comes to gender, age, race or social status. Anyone can become an addict; everyone is at risk. You must reach out for help if you think your behavior has taken on a dangerous tone. There is no shame in seeking treatment. Seeking professional help will not just improve your life —it will keep you alive. One of many reasons why addicts would give excuses to avoid treatment is because they don’t think they have a problem. If you are someone who can take or leave your addiction, that’s fine. But, if you find yourself constantly fantasizing about it or unable to resist it even though it’s causing concerns in your life, you may want to consider changing your behaviours before they get out of control. The sooner you admit there’s a concern, the sooner you can begin taking steps toward recovery. A good first step is speaking with a friend or family member about what you’re going through. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with another person makes it easier to open up without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Chances are, that person will be more than willing to listen and offer support as long as they know what’s going on. They Are Afraid of What Happens in Treatment If a person is afraid of what will happen if they enter treatment, it is important for them to understand that addiction recovery programs are not like jails or prisons. They offer encouragement and support, but there’s no forced confinement. They Need Their Loved Ones: If an addict’s loved ones are all they have in their lives, then they may need new loved ones. The best way to get new friends is by going into a recovery program because everyone in their group will be fighting against drugs and alcohol abuse. There Is No Reason to Stop Using Drugs and Alcohol: When people feel they don’t have any reason to stop using drugs and alcohol, it can be hard for them to see past their pain. However, when people think about why others would want them sober, such as family members who care about them or friends who don’t want them to destroy themselves, these thoughts can help them inspire to change and break off giving excuses that addicts commonly do. They Don’t Believe in Therapy All too often, addicts give excuses and avoid getting help because they don’t believe in therapy or don’t want to spend money on it. If you have a problem and aren’t willing to go see a therapist, then you are exactly right — you don’t have a problem. An addiction is a disease of mind, body, and spirit. In order for someone to help treat your addiction, they need to access all three aspects of your life. Most people who get sober through 12-step programs will tell you that going to meetings was just as important as going to therapy. The two work hand-in-hand. Many therapists also offer sliding scale rates so that more people can afford their services. It’s not about what you think; it’s about what works best for you, and if professional help can get you there faster than self-help alone, then why wouldn’t you take advantage of that? If you require help to find a therapist, contact your insurance company or check out Psychology Today’s listings. If paying out of pocket isn’t an option, ask your doctor if he or she has any recommendations based on any previous patients they may have had. And finally, even though many people do find recovery by working with sponsors and members at 12-step meetings (and I am one of those people), I do understand that some people prefer to work with professionals instead. They Have Other Priorities Excuses, like I have too much going on right now, may seem reasonable, but in reality, there are plenty of ways addicts can get help that won’t add more time to their plate. It’s true that finding time for addiction recovery can be difficult, but according to Alan Marlatt, Ph.D., director of the Addictive Behaviours Research Center at the University of Washington in Seattle, it’s all about managing expectations. If you want to do something badly enough, you will find a way to do it—and make time for it, he says. The trick is figuring out what is significant in life and what isn’t so necessary. If getting sober is important enough, people will figure out how to work it into their lives. If you don’t prioritize it, you won’t do it, Marlatt says. And if you don’t start doing it today, tomorrow will be another day, and then another day. And before long, a year has gone

How addiction develops among high earning professionals?

As the world becomes more aware of addiction and its impacts, more people are talking about how to prevent it. However, there’s another type of addiction that’s often overlooked: addiction among high-earning professionals. This form of addiction can develop from the stress of life, but it can also come from drugs and alcohol that give these individuals relief from their daily stresses. In this article, we’ll discuss exactly how addiction develops among high earning professionals and what you can do about it if you or someone you love is suffering from it. Drug addiction in workplace  According to a recent study by KPMG, India has one of the highest drug abuse rates in Asia and Europe. And according to data from WHO, India also has one of the highest drug addiction rates globally. Men and women between ages 15 and 64 in India have experienced more than 5 million illegal drug users as per national crime records bureau statistics released in 2011. The key reasons for such a large number include widespread availability and accessibility, social acceptance and easy accessibility. Signs of addiction As per some estimates, there are at least 10 million drug addicts in India and most of them are young people who come from well-to-do families. In numerous instances, they start using drugs at an early age (12–14 years) with peer pressure or due to curiosity. There is no dearth of drugs available on the streets today—cocaine, heroin, marijuana, ecstasy etc.—and all you need is money to buy them. Though these drugs may seem harmless initially, but over time, they can ruin your life completely—both physically and mentally. For example, cocaine produces a short-term euphoria followed by anxiety, paranoia, and depression. If used repeatedly, it can cause brain damage, leading to memory loss and difficulty in thinking clearly. It also leads to cardiovascular problems like heart attacks or strokes, which could be fatal too. So, what makes an addiction? Addiction defined as compulsive use of any substance despite its negative consequences on health, mental state and overall quality of life. An individual suffering from drug/alcohol dependence usually feels that he/she cannot live without it, even though they know that their usage will result in serious harm to themselves or others around them. For example, excessive alcohol consumption could lead to liver disease while smoking cigarettes could lead to lung cancer etc. Signs of Addiction  The three most common signs that someone has an addiction include constant drug use, using drugs alone, and trouble quitting. Someone who is addicted to a substance will continue to use it even if it causes physical or emotional harm. Addiction is commonly defined as having a pattern of compulsive substance abuse despite negative consequences. If you have identified these patterns in your loved one, you should seek immediate professional treatment to stop their behaviour before they hurt themselves or others. Although some drug use may be acceptable for some professions, often what makes an addiction is not so much if it’s legal or illegal, but more whether you can function normally in your daily life. Also Read: Setting boundaries during treatment: why it’s important for therapist and patient Signs of serious problems include: missing work frequently due to substance abuse, becoming isolated from friends and family, sneaking around behind other people’s backs to use a drug or drink alcohol and losing things that are important to you (such as health, education, and relationships). Though there is no way to define what is normal use and what qualifies as an addictive behaviour, it’s a good idea to speak to your friends about their drug habits. This can help you gauge where you stand and determine whether your habit has become problematic. Individuals in some occupations are more likely to suffer from addictions than others. High-powered jobs that involve lots of travel, long hours and stress make it hard for people to see they have an issue. If you notice these signs in someone you know or in yourself, you might be an addict. If so, it’s time to get help. There are many treatment options available that can help you overcome your addiction and achieve a successful recovery; just reach out to your doctor or a rehab facility near you today! What you can do if you suspect someone around you is addicted  Addictions aren’t always easy to identify, especially if you don’t personally struggle with them. If you suspect someone around you is addicted, there are a few key things you can do to help. The first step is understanding what an addiction actually is. While most people think of addictions as being related to drugs or alcohol, substance abuse isn’t limited to these—there are also behavioural addictions and gambling addictions that can have devastating consequences on your health and life satisfaction. Next, you should try to understand what makes an addiction in the first place. What drives people to seek dangerous substances? What motivates people to gamble away their entire savings? And how can we prevent these behaviours from taking hold in others? Once you understand what makes someone vulnerable to addictive behaviours, it becomes easier for you to spot warning signs and act. For example, if your friend is constantly drinking heavily every weekend but doesn’t seem particularly stressed at work during the weekdays, it might be time for some tough love and intervention. One of the hardest parts about watching someone you love a struggle with an addiction is knowing what to do. People who are close to addicts may experience feelings of confusion, anger, and helplessness. Setting boundaries during treatment: why it’s important for therapist and patient It’s important to remember that those emotions aren’t always counterproductive—they can motivate you to act for yourself and for your loved one. So if you’re concerned about someone in your life, there are a few steps you can take to get them help if they’re ready for it. The first thing is to find out what resources are available in your

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