Physical and emotional dependence on alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is labeled as addiction. Severe addictions can cause ill health, antisocial behavior, absence from work, emotional and physical trauma to the family, economic deprivation, and significantly increased morbidity and mortality. Usually, family members bring the affected individual for treatment; a few individuals come directly seeking treatment. Drug addiction is best treated in a specialized institution using a multi-disciplinary approach. However, most patients having tobacco or alcohol addiction can be safely treated on an outpatient basis.
Treatment of severe addiction usually includes
bio-feedback therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behaviour
therapy, experiential therapy, holistic therapy, motivational enhancement
therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. One or more modalities may be combined to
provide a tailor-made treatment protocol suited to each individual’s requirement.
Modern (allopathic) medicines used in the treatment of
addiction include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, clonidine, naltrexone,
acamprosate, disulfiram, methadone, and buprenorphine. The aim is to reduce
craving and help with withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, depression,
nausea, muscle aches, sweating, and convulsions. Group counseling and
one-on-one counseling by an experienced counselor help to cope up with the
treatment process as well as with rehabilitation.
The mainstay of Ayurvedic herbal treatment while handling
addiction is to normalize and protect the metabolism of the body as well as the
mental state of affected individuals. Herbal medicines are given to improve
liver function, detoxify body tissues, protect the heart and nervous system,
and improve elimination through the intestines and kidneys. Herbal medicines
are also given to improve alertness, concentration and confidence, while
reducing stress.
Affected individuals are advised a diet consisting
predominantly of milk, ghee, honey, fruits, and vegetables. Recommendations are
given to be in good company, remain busy, and get involved in interesting and
fruitful work. Professional counseling may be required for serious emotional,
family and work related issues.
Ayurvedic treatment has a very good effect on people
affected with alcohol and tobacco addiction. Some individuals have reported
giving up the use of tobacco or alcohol within just one week of starting
treatment. However, it is important to not discontinue treatment due to a risk
of relapse. An average of four to eight months’ treatment is usually required
to completely get an individual off the addiction. It is important to monitor
the patient and see that all vital organs are working well and the person is
mentally stable.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of addiction, kindly click here
