Rehabilitating drug users and alcohol addicts is increasingly becoming a concern for our society. Going for treatment in rehabilitation centers alone does not solve the problem. It can provide medical and psychological treatment; but that is not enough. Recovery from drug addiction is a multifaceted process that necessitates a lot of support from different angles. Once an addict is free from the dependence on drugs other types of difficulties begin. He/she is labeled as an addict and people look at him/her almost as a criminal. He/she is not accepted as a normal member of the society. This is the most difficult situation faced by an addict even after treatment programme. Many times he/she is considered to be an “untouchable” and the other youth/group do not allow him/her to mix with them. “I am afraid to go out from the treatment centre because the society may not accept me as a normal person” This is what Mr Robert shared pathetically during his honorable discharge.
During the course of their recovery it is not only the fear of relapse that is haunting the recovering persons but the fear of non acceptance and social isolation from the family/society.
Knowing the reasons for addiction, we cannot fully blame an addict for becoming a dependent person. Addiction is like any other disease; it spreads because of a suitable environment. We find most of the addicts are from pathological family. Addiction starts in the families. A human being is made up of spirit- body-mind. When all the three faculties are nourished proportionately, he/she grows up to be happy and successful. When the need of one area is not met, or one area is given undue importance, the person may grow up as Dis-eased i.e, addicted. When persons whose spiritual, social and emotional needs are not met finds himself in a situation where drugs are available, he/she becomes an easy prey to it. Certain situation in the society also encourages the spread of addiction.
Addiction is caused by the host (addict), the agent (drug) and the environment (family & society). The agent can infect the host only under certain conditions (environment). For example, even if the virus is present in the air, not all the people get sickness. Family and the society are the environmental factors that encourage addiction. No one is born an addict, though some are more likely to become an addict than the others. A growing person needs most are love, care and acceptance at home. He/she needs time with his /her parents and other family members. They need to be encouraged and supported in their success and achievements. They need proper guidance, correction and follow up when they go wrong and do mischief. We need to understand that providing money and the best of things in life is not the sign of true love and concern. Though the family and the society contribute a lot in making the addict, they are the ones who blame the addict for his/her addiction. To make a drug free world, the family and the society should also accept the responsibility for their part.
Realization of the Problem:
Recovery and rehabilitation do not happen all on a sudden. It is a gradual process that involves the individuals, family members, community/society and the treatment programme. Realization of the problem is the first step towards recovery. The persons addicted to drugs must realize that they are caught in a vicious circle mostly due to their own mistakes. Hence they will have to face several difficulties and have to struggle in order to come out of it completely. It is a question of life or death. If he/ she remain free from drugs, gradually the society will definitely accept him/ her as useful members.
Courage and Determination:
One needs to develop mental courage and determination to come out of this self-destroying, vicious circle. Once an addict is free from the clutches of drugs he/she will continue to face mental and social strains for some time. This is a passing stage and gradually one will be able to live his/her life with full spirit. A recovering person should not weaken his/her morale because of small problems that will vanish in due course. This is a crucial period when one needs the support of spouse, family and community/society, by which he is able to grow in self confidence and courage to withstand the temptations.
Acceptance and Help: The employers, family members, neighbours, and friends should realize that once a person is free from drugs for a few months, he/she becomes absolutely a normal person physically, mentally and socially. One need not have any fear regarding his/her conduct and creative abilities. Although he/she had become a victim of drugs due to some reason, now he/ she is perfectly normal. Drug addiction is like any other disease. Once a disease is completely treated the patient becomes fit again and is able to resume normal duties and activities. At the same time they may require close follow up and ongoing guidance.
Relaxation and Meditation: According to experts there are several benefits of the technique of relaxation and meditation in the rehabilitation process of an addict. Relaxation is an antidote to any type of stress. Moreover meditation also brings clarity of mind and develops the habit of positive thinking. Meditation increases one’s will-power and makes the mind pure. And they are able to concentrate on their personal growth and put an order in their life. Thus taking up responsibilities and carrying them out becomes easier for them.
Yoga: Today the medical science has proved that without taking into consideration the mind, it is not possible to affect a permanent cure. Yoga strikes a balance between these two. Yoga, by relieving mental stress and strain liberates the vast sources of energy. A regular practice of yoga is bound to give a new meaning and dimension to life, to make bodies better and minds at best. The body is one side of the coin of health and mind and spirit are another. Yoga unites body, mind and spirit simultaneously. Therefore yoga is another equally important component in the process of recovery and rehabilitation of an addict too. Yoga can give us what we want and more, but we should have the capacity to receive. It is a subtle science to be practiced regularly with a sense of purpose and dedication. Yoga is the best medium for better health and a meaningful life.
Developing new Skills:
Acquiring new skills and developing one’s talents and hobbies during the course of time will also help greatly in the rehabilitation process. They must aim at becoming productive persons in order to make good use of their time and abilities .In the present day there is lot of scope for self employment and economic progress. When all dimensions of life – physical, psychological, spiritual, social and economic are balanced well one can lead a sober, happy and healthy life.
Recovery from drug addiction is an ongoing process of change. Therefore one has to go through the pain and struggles to come out from its clutches. No matter how hopeless things look, no matter how badly they are wounded, recovery is possible because there are many who have done it.
N. Longshio Yanthan
Shalom Rehab Centre
