An ‘Addiction Treatment Facility’ (ATF) was reportedly inaugurated at the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) recently. It is understood that the facility had started functioning in September 2022 and has successfully treated 202 patients till date. This is a vital facility available in the state as several Goans, especially the youth, fall prey to various types of addiction and need help to come out of it. Addiction is a mental illness that leaves people feeling empty and alone.
The causes of addiction are a mix of genetic, environmental, and social influences. Addiction has a powerful influence on the brain, and it manifests by way of cravings, loss of control, and continuing involvement despite adverse consequences. Brain changes that result from drug addiction can make the substance feel as necessary as food and water to the person that uses it.
Over time people who abuse drugs and alcohol develop a tolerance to it, hence they need higher doses of it to receive the desired effect. With continued use, the brain and body become dependent on the presence of an addictive substance. When one tries to quit abruptly, the body enters withdrawal, triggering a host of unpleasant symptoms.
Addictive disorders can also cause physical and psychological damage. Receiving treatment is essential for breaking the cycle of addiction. However, as a chronic disease, addiction is difficult to treat and requires on-going care. A person with an addictive disorder requires access to treatment. For most people, treatment may last for the rest of their life.
Treatment options for addiction depend on several factors, including the type of addictive disorder, the length and severity of use, and its effects on the individual. A doctor will also treat or refer for treatment any physical complications that have developed, such as liver disease in a person with alcohol use disorder or respiratory issues in people with an addiction to substances which have been smoked.
The three main forms of treatment include detoxification, cognitive and behavioral therapies and medication-assisted therapies. However the first and most important step is for the individual to recognize that he/she has an addiction problem and seek help.
