Drug Addiction is a universal problem. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s World Drug Report 2022 around 284 million people use drugs worldwide. This report also states that India is one of the world’s single-largest opiate markets.

Alcohol, country liquor, opium, hashish and marijuana were freely available and used in India. Our sadhus and kings used these substances in hookahs to get high. But in those days, people used them in moderation and drug use was not a serious problem.

Drug Problem in India

The drug problem in India is a complex and multifaceted issue that poses a huge threat to the country’s public health and social fabric. Drug addiction and abuse have been steadily increasing and the problem is compounded by factors such as stresses of modern life, family problems, poverty, unemployment and social unrest. Young people, especially students, often experiment with drugs under the misconceived perception of this being a symbol of high social status or to cope with stress and pressure and end up as drug addicts.

Startling figures based on recent Government of India Figures

1.  Over 10% of the population suffers from psychiatric disorders including depression, neurosis and psychosis.

2.  15 people out of every 1000 are drug users.

3.  Chronic alcohol addiction ranges from 25 out of 1000 people.

4.  Psychiatric and De-addiction bed availability is a meager 20% of the required number. Thus, 80% of inpatient bed availability is unfulfilled across the country.

What is Addiction

Simply put, drug addiction occurs when its abuse affects a person’s work and normal family life. It creates a ripple effect in the lives of the user and his immediate circle of family, friends, co-workers, neighbours and acquaintances. The abuse of the substance causes a tremendous personality change in the user and those who care about him. Drug addiction not only affects the addict but also the members of his family and friends.

What the Government of India is doing

The Indian Government has taken several measures for fighting the issue. In August 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’(NMBA) in 272 most vulnerable districts of India to address the problem. The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment is the Nodal Department in the Government of India for Drug Demand Reduction.

The Government has set up several de-addiction centers and rehabilitation facilities across the country to help individuals recover from drug addiction. These centers provide counseling, medical treatment, and support to those struggling with drug addiction .But these facilities are grossly inadequate and riddled with poor infrastructure and corruption. There are several other centers across the country which provide similar services to drug addicts. All these centers play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from drug addiction and prevent relapses.

What a Drug Addict should do

Due to the fear of social stigma and legal repercussions, many drug users are afraid to seek help. The addict:

1.  Should first accept that he is an addict and is ready to come out of it.

2.  Seek professional help: Should then seek help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, a drug rehabilitation center, or a support group. Professional help is necessary to overcome drug addiction. A professional can provide you with the necessary guidance, support, and treatment to recover from drug addiction.

3.  Follow a treatment plan: A treatment plan may include detoxification, counseling, therapy, and medication. It is essential to follow the treatment plan as prescribed by the professional to achieve the best results. It may also be necessary to spend some time in a rehabilitation centre.

4.   Make lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes suggested by your counsellors such as practicing healthy habits, exercise, and eating a nutritious diet can help in the recovery process. Avoid triggers and situations that can lead to drug use.

5.   Join a support group: Join a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous which will help you connect with people who have similar experiences and struggles. A support group will provide you with the necessary emotional support and motivation to overcome drug addiction.

6.   Stay committed: Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process and requires commitment and effort. It is essential to stay committed to the treatment plan and make necessary changes to maintain sobriety.

Rehabilitating from drug addiction is a challenging process. But with strong commitment and the right support and treatment, it is possible to overcome the addiction and return to a normal and fulfilling life.

One of finest rehabilitation centres in Eastern India is
Rekindle Wellness Centre in Howrah. You can see the photographs at the following site.
You can also visit the site (with prior appointment)
https://rekindlewellness.com

Phone : +91-9833304241
Email : info@rekindlewellness.com

(754 Words)                                                                                      Binoy Gupta

Medical Tourism 
Ophthalmological Treatment
in India – Cataract

India is the ideal location for all types of cataract surgeries…….from cheap sutureless Small Incision Cataract Surgeries to sophisticated micro Phaco surgeries with the most advanced implanted lenses.

Cataract surgeries take about 10 minutes and the patient can be discharged almost immediately.

What is Cataract

A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity, and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract, the power of the lens may increase, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours.Typically, cataracts progress slowly, causing vision loss; and can lead to blindness, if left untreated. Cataracts may be partial or complete, stationary or progressive, hard or soft.

Causes of Cataract

Cataracts develop from a variety of reasons, including long-term ultraviolet exposure, exposure to radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age.Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts. Cataracts can also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma. Some drugs such as Corticosteroids, Ezetimibe and Seroquel.can induce cataract development.

You can see articles on Cataract on the following web site:

http://www.sightsavers.org/What%20We%20Do/Eye%20Conditions/Cataract/World1414.html 

What should you do

If you have decided to come to India for Medical Treatment, then read on.
We can take care of all your needs and provide you the best single point care and attention. Email us a brief note, giving your full name, address, contact details and summary of your ailments.

You can contact:
Dr. Binoy Gupta in Mumbai.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta in Kolkata.
Dr. Navin Kumar Gupta in California.
Dr. Vikash Gupta in U.K.

Their phone numbers and other details will be given to you on hearing from you.

email: eleena100@hotmail.com  

You can also see a number of related articles on this blog.

The AMA issued the following Press Release on June 16, 2008.
For the first time, the AMA has accepted the practicability of Medical Tourism.


Press Release
Dated: June 16, 2008

CHICAGO — To ensure the safety of patients considering traveling abroad for medical care, new guiding principles on medical tourism (PDF, 20KB) were adopted today at the American Medical Association’s (AMA) annual policy-making meeting. The nine principles are the first-of-its-kind, and outline steps for care abroad for consideration by patients, employers, insurers and third-parties responsible for coordinating travel outside of the U.S.

“Medical tourism is a small but growing trend among American patients, and it’s unclear at this time whether the risks outweigh the benefits,” said AMA Board Member J. James Rohack, MD. “Since this is uncharted waters, it is our hope that the AMA’s new guidance on medical tourism will benefit patients considering traveling abroad for health care.”

In 2006, an estimated 150,000 Americans received health care overseas, and nearly half of the procedures were for medically necessary surgeries. The emergence of medical tourism is in part a response to the rising cost of health care in the U.S., which puts needed health care out of reach for many, particularly those without health care coverage.

“We need to address the cost of care in the U.S. and cover the uninsured so that every American who needs health care can get it right here at home,” said Dr. Rohack. “Until there is significant action at home, patients with limited resources may turn elsewhere for care. It is important that U.S. patients have access to credible information and resources so that the care they receive abroad is safe and effective.”

The new AMA principles call for all medical care outside of the U.S. to be voluntary. They address financial incentives, insurance coverage for care abroad and care coordination. The principles also call for patients to be made aware of their legal rights prior to travel and to have access to physician licensing and facility accreditation information prior to travel.

“For those patients considering medical tourism, the new AMA principles are an important starting point for consideration before making the decision to go abroad for health care,” said Dr. Rohack.

To ensure that insurance companies and others that facilitate medical tourism adhere to the new principles, the AMA will introduce model legislation for consideration of state lawmakers.

For additional information, please contact AMA Media Relations at:(312) 239-4991 or (312) 464-5980

For more information of Medical Tourism in India,
click on the following site: http://medicaltourisminc.blogspot.com/2008/07/medical-tourism-in-india.html

These details will be handed over to a General Practitioner.
He will act as your coordinator for your medical treatment.
You don’t pay any thing for all this.

He will consult one or more appropriate specialists attached to leading hospitals.
The specialist opinion will be forwarded to you.We will offer you a number of options indicating the duration, expenses, etc.

We are here to help you, guide you at every moment of your stay in India, and make your stay as comfortable as possible.

You can contact:

Dr. Binoy Gupta in Mumbai.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta in Kolkata.
Dr. Navin Kumar Gupta in California.
Dr. Vikash Gupta in U.K.

Their phone numbers and other details will be given to you on hearing from you.

email: eleena100@hotmail.com