Many people have problems with addiction. We should sympathize with people who have addiction issues. The stigma of taboo attached to addiction should not be given importance and we should help the people suffering from addiction with their problems. Many people are suffering from addiction problem in a lockdown scenario 

Every Thursday, we at Medicircle conduct a special series called Bindas Bol with Dr.Kumar Kamble. Dr.Kumar Kamble is not only a professional sexologist but also a de-addiction specialist. Dr. Kamble has special expertise and experience in working with the King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Deaddiction center for 4 years. 

At Medcircle, we are presenting the Ask The Expert Series on De-Addiction titled Bindas Bol with Dr. Kumar Kamble. Today, we are going to discuss addiction in lockdown with Dr. Kumar Kamble 

Dr.Kumar Kamble is an expert Psychiatrist, De-addiction Specialist, Sexologist, Speaker, Mental and Sexual Health Educator. He is also associated with the Umang Clinic. He has worked with King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Deaddiction center for 4 years as a Medical Office Coordinator. Based on his rich clinical expertise in de-addiction, we have come up with the next series on De-addiction.

The relation between addiction and lockdown 

Dr.Kumar Kamble informs, “Lockdown and addiction have a great impact on health. People who are addicted have drugs as their top priority. At any given cost, people who are addicted are always in need of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. There is also a lot of negative attitude towards these people who are suffering from addiction. Addiction is a mental disorder and needs treatment. There should be aware of the same. Many people who are addicted, in spite of lockdown try a level best to get access to drugs and alcohol. It is important to take lockdowns in a positive way by abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and smoke."

Stay positive during lockdown to overcome addiction

Dr. Kumar says, “Abstaining drugs, alcohol, and smoke can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Stopping the drugs, alcohol, and smoke abruptly can lead to these symptoms which will be difficult to tackle. Medications can be taken to treat the withdrawal symptoms. Passing this phase of withdrawal symptoms can help in the long run. Do not get scared of withdrawal symptoms. Treat it. With help of lockdown, you can overcome addiction. This awareness is very important for people suffering from addiction. Stay positive with this lockdown.”

Role of family and friends to address the behavior of the patient

Dr. Kamble says, “Family and friends are very important for the treatment of addiction. The behavior of family and friends should be positive to support the treatment of addiction. Family and friends should be aware that addiction needs treatment and support. They should support the person suffering from addiction who might be irritable or asking for money for drugs. The right treatment at the correct place is very important to give up an addiction. Addiction is a chronic problem like diabetes and hypertension. Relapse is very common in addiction. The family and friends should not get scared of addiction. Negative views about addiction can impact the health of the patient. Do not ignore the person suffering from addiction.”

Addiction needs treatment and you should consult the doctor

Dr.Kamble states, “Half the battle against addiction is won when the family has agreed to go for medical treatment for addiction. It is important to consult a doctor if you are suffering from addiction. After consultation, one can realize the negative aspect of addiction. As the treatment starts, addiction can be overcome by the patient. Withdrawal symptoms can be taken care of with medical treatment. Cravings can also be addressed with medicines. This will lead to a good realization of a healthy lifestyle by the patient."

Addiction relapse is common and needs long term treatment 

Dr. Kamble emphasizes, “ Relapse is very common in addiction. Restart the treatment with the doctors and counselors. Just like hypertension is a chronic problem and regular medication is a must. Untreated cases of hypertension will result in complications such as stroke or heart problems. Relapse of addiction needs treatment again. Similarly, addiction needs long term treatment”

The relapse of addiction is a universal truth and can be treated by eliminating the cause

Dr. Kamble says, “Relapse of addiction is common. There is a phase of cure of addiction before the relapse. There can be many causes of addiction. It is important to eliminate the causes of addiction. This is the main aim of the de-addiction treatment. The relapse of addiction is a universal truth and can be treated by eliminating the cause. Joining the support groups can help in overcoming addiction. Therapies and counseling can be given for addiction.”

Impact of people who are suffering addiction during lockdown

Dr. Kamble informs, “People suffering from addiction in this lockdown have resulted in an increase in domestic violence which has an indirect impact on their health. 

Break the cycle of addiction

Dr. Kamble states, “Addiction is a vicious cycle and it is important to break this by the following ways:

• Approach your doctor 
• Approach the counselor 
• Join supportive groups
• Share the problem 
• Online consultation with a psychiatrist 

Take lockdown as an advantage to put an end to addiction.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)