Sunday, Oct 04, 2026 14:00 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Oct 04, 2026 08:45 [IST]
A 28-year-old married man came to us with opioid withdrawal symptoms—what many people simply describe as “sickness” after stopping opioids.
He had been using brown sugar since 2018 after being introduced to it through peer pressure. His use gradually increased to around 2–3 grams a day.
He had sought treatment at residential rehabilitation centres several times. Each time, however, he relapsed within a month of discharge.
Eventually, he approached us for treatment.
He underwent a short period of medically supervised detoxification, followed by psychological therapy focusing on relapse prevention, psychoeducation and behavioural change.
Once his withdrawal symptoms were stabilised, we discussed something very important:
Addiction is not simply a matter of willpower.
He was helped to understand how repeated substance use changes brain and behaviour, how long-term associative learning can trigger cravings, and why certain people, places, emotions and situations can become powerful relapse triggers.
Different options for maintaining abstinence were discussed.
He chose medication together with long-term psychological therapy and regular counselling support.
Today, he has maintained abstinence for more than two years.
He says:
“I have never remained clean for this long.”
He has worked hard to protect his recovery—avoiding high-risk friends, places and situations, developing healthier ways of dealing with stress, and continuing psychological support.
But he also says something else that is equally important:
“One tablet of my anti-craving medicine has given me additional strength to maintain my recovery.”
This experience has changed his understanding of addiction.
He now understands that addiction is a medical disorder that may require long-term management, just as other chronic health conditions may require ongoing treatment.
Counselling is important.
Lifestyle change is important.
Family and social support are important.
And for many people, medication can be equally important.
Recovery is not simply about completing detoxification or spending a few weeks in a rehabilitation centre.
Recovery is about changing the relationship with the substance, understanding one's triggers, developing healthier coping strategies and using every effective tool available to maintain a substance-free life.
Medicines do not replace willpower.
They can help a person use their willpower more effectively.
Addiction is treatable. Recovery is possible. Treatment should be personalised and continued for as long as it is clinically needed.
Email: srasaily36@gmail.com
