De-addiction Programs in India: A Brief Synopsis

When did it start?

April 2007

Where did it start?

The very first drug de-addiction camp was organized by the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and Kashmir State Police in Anantnag district, Kashmir in April 2007. A large number of drug users (more than 500) sought treatment in the camp. The IAHV brought in Dr. Anju Dhawan and Dr. Nanaji Kaw, Associate Professors, Psychiatry, AIIMS and doctors from Srinagar Medical College and district hospitals of Anantnag.

How did it start?

Camps were organized in order to increase awareness amongst people.

Types of patients & their problems:

Most patients are youths or belong to the lower strata of society. Drug use is an illness, a disease that has an adverse effect on the addicts’ families also. Lack of awareness, along with the social stigma attached to addiction, prevents people from coming forward. These people do not know whom to turn to for help. Out of all the addicts, only about 2% actually come for treatment, that too after 5 to 6 years of being alcohol or drug dependent. The government de-addiction centers are vacant, as people do not come forward. This is where volunteers of the Art of Living make a difference.

Many of the addicts are approached through the women of their families. Women suffer a lot because of drug addiction, as they are subjected to mental & physical abuse. 80% of the crimes are committed when the criminals are drunk. Addiction is detrimental to the addict’s health and severe addiction is fatal too. These drugs are easily available but are so costly that the addicts are forced to steal money, first from their family members and friends, and later from others. Since the drugs cause dependency, it is very difficult to get rid of them even if the addict wishes to do so. Drug addicts become a nuisance to the family and to the society. Many youngsters are drug addicts.

Volunteers contacted the women, who in turn put them in touch with members of their family who were addicts. The special sessions for the addicts were started in PGIMER’s Inpatient Drug De-addiction Centre in an enclosed environment. After a few sessions, the patients said that they were able to relax and sleep in peace, something that they had not been able to do for a long time.

Get more information on our de-addiction programs:

However, the process of de-addiction is not easy. The patients are required to stay in the Drug De-addiction Centre for about a month or so. After a month, they sometimes return home, back to the same environment and situations that started their addiction in the first place. The major problem that is faced is the chance of a relapse. Drug use is a chronic relapsing disorder like diabetes and hypertension, and relapse is a part of the recovery process. Detoxification and medical treatment forms only about 20% of the complete process. Rehabilitation of the patients and re-integration into the mainstream is a major issue. The important thing is that worldwide studies have indicated spirituality to be a very potent protective factor to prevent relapse.

Getting the addicts engaged during the processes or sessions is also a huge challenge, which is overcome through various techniques like games, laughing, singing songs, sharing light knowledge, etc. This puts them at ease and builds an environment of trust. At PGIMER, approximately 2000 patients have benefitted until the year 2014.

 

A list of Art of Living De-addiction Programs in India (completed & ongoing):

  1. Chandigarh De-addiction Program in collaboration with PGIMER (ongoing): This is an ongoing initiative, which was started in 2007. Until the year 2014, approximately 2000 patients have benefitted. Other Drug De-addiction Centers in Chandigarh are the SPYM Center, started in April 2012 & the GMSH, Sector-16 Center, started in October 2013.
     
  2. Ludhiana Central Jail De-addiction Program (ongoing): This was started as a trial 4 months ago. Towards the middle of May 2014, the team got approval to continue this program on a long-term basis. Until now, approximately 250 inmates have benefitted.
     
  3. Punjab De-addiction Project (most of it has been discontinued): This project started in August 2007 and went on until November 2010. This program was introduced in towns like Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Firozpur, Faridkot, Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Barnala. More than 10,000 people were benefitted by this program. In some cases, micro credit facilities were also available in order to help rehabilitate people into mainstream society.
     
  4. Kolkata De-addiction Center (ongoing): This was conceptualized in November 2003 and started in 2004. More than 1347 people have benefitted so far.
     
  5. The Trilokpuri De-addiction Project, Delhi (discontinued): This project was started as a model to be replicated in different places. It was discontinued in 2011.
     
  6. De-addiction Camps in Solan, Himachal Pradesh: De-addiction camps were held in Solan, Himachal Pradesh since August 2007.
     
  7. De-addiction Camps in Jhansi & Rajkot: De-addiction camps were also organized in Jhansi & Rajkot.
     
  • Statistical Benefits
  • Testimonials
  • More than 200 people till date have participated in various 'Stop Smoking, Start Living'(a special Art of Living course for de-addiction) programs.

    Out of these 200, 60% and above have quit smoking completely by the end of 6 days of the course; About 25% have quit completely post 2 weeks of the course with regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya; And about 10-15% of the participants have reduced on their normal intake of smoking / tobacco. Post a Part 2 course or a DSN, most of them have quit the habits completely.

    According to Dr. Vedamurthachar, Yoga therapist, NIMHANS, "people smoke because of various reasons. The statistics shows that the 40% of smokers are suffering from depression, 15% from anxiety disorders, around 45% due to alcohol and drug dependence, and other 10% due to mental disorders".

    “The practice of Sudarshan Kriya has proved that it reduces depression and anxiety by 80%. Also, those who are addicted to alcohol and drugs have recovered and are living normally by practicing Sudarshan Kriya, pranayam and yoga,” says Dr. Vedamurthachar.

  • “I have been smoking for the last 55 years. I started at the age of 14 years & I had never stopped. I tried to quit it several times, but I could, only for a few days. Then, I used to puff again.
    However after I completed the 6-day Art of Living course, I haven’t even touched a cigarette till date. Today I am feeling better in my health & mind. Thank you Art of Living,”

    Sreenivas*, Koramangala, Bangalore.

    “I had started smoking & drinking because of the stress at office & personal life. But after the completion of the Art of Living course, I really did not require to smoke as I have learnt how to overcome stress & lead a happy life,”

    Shankar*, Viveknagar, Bangalore.

    “My health, concentration & my stamina have increased immensely with regular practice of the Art of Living breathing technique. Thanks to the course I have not gone back to smoking in the last 5 years & will never in the future,”

    Nisha*, Koramangala, Bangalore

    *Note: The names in the experiences are first names to keep the anonymity of the individuals.