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Managing Substance Abuse

Posted By : Administrator Monday 10 Oct, 2016
Managing Substance Abuse

Written by Michelle Manasseh

Substance abuse seems to be a distant concept until someone you know suffers from it. For me, it was a distant cousin, a college student  who was being treated for drug and alcohol abuse. It was heart wrenching to see this young boy go through intensive mental health treatment (including electroconvulsive therapy). His experience got me wondering why is it that one needs to be pushed to the extremities of treatment and punishments to realize that one’s body and life is important? And is there a way to help it gets to this stage?

Instances of substance abuse in India have increased exponentially in the past few years, especially among adolescents. College students now have easier access to drugs than ever before. Add to that the high levels of stress and pressure they are under, and you get a perfect situation for alcohol and drug use.

The question that often arises: Is it the responsibility of our government to better monitor and stop peddlers and illicit drug trafficking or is it the responsibility of parents to monitor and intervene to reduce drug and alcohol use? The blame can always be passed around, but we need to realize that it is a problem of the society we live in and as active members of it, everyone needs to do their bit.

The cause of the drug and alcohol abuse ranges from peer pressure to familial problems, relationship problems, genetically predisposition and easy access to drugs. There is no doubt that the government can and should continue to be strict and more vigilant but, we need to address other aspects as well, because if a person wants to consume alcohol or drugs, he/she will find a way to do so. The only way of reducing the ever-increasing alcohol and drug abuse problem is by educating oneself of the signs and helping each other.

Some signs to look out for are:


  1. 1) Recurrent substance use, resulting in failure to fulfil obligations (work, college, school, family, etc.)
  2. 2) Recurrent substance use, even in situations where it is hazardous (drinking and driving)
  3. 3) Increased tolerance to the substance, therefore, need to consume increased amounts
  4. 4) Inability to function without the consumption of the substance
  5. 5) Continued and frequent use of substance, despite knowledge of its persistent and recurrent negative consequences.

Awareness and knowledge of the long-lasting effects of alcohol and drugs, and the right help at the right time almost always proves to help effectively. Therefore, let us start by not turning a blind eye to people around us who might be struggling with the illness. It is important to remember that the addicts and/or abusers may have a deeper core issue, might not be aware that they have a problem and might even feel invincible. However, it is our responsibility as people who care and love them to lend a helping hand and lead them to the appropriate treatment before it is too late, even if it means playing the 'bad guy'. So don't be afraid to be the 'bad guy'. You might just save a life.

Catex Health is a large network of mental health experts who are available 24x7 for your support and will ensure confidential, dignified and empowering support for any sort of emotional distress. Ms. Michelle Manasseh is a member of our network, Click here to reach out to her or call +91 9911775626.


About the Author

A private practitioner based in Bangaluru, Ms. Michelle has a M.Ed. degree from USA and is a member of the Australian Counselling Association and American Counselling Association. She has extensive experience of over a decade in providing counselling and psychotherapeutic services to people of diverse backgrounds and needs. Ms. Michelle has worked as a Psychologist at various centres in USA and India and has volunteered with several NGOs like Sahai, Vibha and Prayatna which are based in Bangalore. She has also worked as a faculty at Christ College, Bangalore and has special expertise in dealing with Career related and Adjustment Issues.