&w=3840&q=100)
Why recovery from addiction needs more than just quitting substances
Healing from addiction means addressing the whole person
According to Dr Mrinmay Kumar Das, Principal Consultant, Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, true recovery goes beyond breaking physical dependence. It involves confronting unresolved trauma, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and replacing the emotional voids that substances once masked.
'Without this deeper healing, long-term recovery remains fragile. Addiction recovery must be seen as a whole-person journey, not just a fight against the substance,' Dr Das told Business Standard.
Mental health issues after quitting are common—and need support
When people stop using substances, they often face:
Anxiety
Depression
Mood swings
Sleep problems
Emotional imbalance
Strong cravings
There may also be grief, loss, or identity confusion. Without therapy or strong support systems, these can easily lead to relapse.
What emotional voids does addiction usually try to fill?
Dr Das explained that people often turn to substances to cope with:
Unresolved trauma
Emotional pain
Loneliness
Low self-worth
Lack of direction
Recovery must focus on filling those gaps in healthier ways—through new passions, stronger relationships, and emotional resilience.
Why identity is central to lasting addiction recovery
Letting go of the 'addict' label and rebuilding a positive identity is vital. This self-reinvention helps people:
Stay motivated
Build meaningful relationships
Handle setbacks
Feel purposeful
Dr Das recommended setting new goals, exploring hobbies, and surrounding oneself with uplifting influences.
Unresolved trauma can quietly sabotage recovery
Triggers from past trauma can:
Rekindle cravings
Cause emotional instability
Damage relationships
Heighten stress levels
Dr Das emphasised trauma therapies like Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
What does successful recovery support look like?
Effective support blends therapy, community, and lifestyle:
Therapy: Individual, group, and trauma-informed
Peer groups: Encourage accountability
Lifestyle: Balanced diet, sleep, exercise, and mindfulness
'Exercise boosts mood, nutrition fuels the brain, and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety,' said Dr Das.
Why relapse can occur even years after sobriety
Long-term sobriety doesn't mean immunity from relapse. Common triggers include:
High stress or emotional events
Familiar social settings
Trauma resurfacing
Boredom
Overconfidence in recovery
Conflict or major life changes
Prevention starts with self-awareness, coping skills, and strong support networks
The bigger goal: Rebuilding life and identity after addiction
'Recovery is about healing the person,' Dr Das said. 'It's a multi-layered process that includes emotional growth, trauma care, healthy living, and rebuilding who you are.'
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025
Observed globally on 26 June each year, this day was established by the United Nations in 1989 to strengthen international cooperation against drug misuse and illicit trade.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Naveen Patnaik stable, likely to be discharged from hospital today
Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday due to dehydration BJD chief and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who has been undergoing treatment at a private hospital here for dehydration, is now "stable" and likely to be discharged on Monday, a source at the health facility said. Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday due to dehydration. "Naveen ji is now stable and is likely to be discharged during the day," the hospital source said. The 78-year-old politician has been "responding well" to treatment, and his condition has been "improving", said a bulletin issued by the private hospital on Sunday. BJD vice president Sanjay Das Burma said, "Patnaik is now stable and has recovered from the dehydration problem." Patnaik, the leader of opposition in the assembly, complained of uneasiness on Saturday night, and some doctors visited his residence, Naveen Niwas, BJD leaders said. Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan prayed for the speedy recovery of Patnaik. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Dengue claims Behala man, city records second death in a week
Kolkata: A 35-year-old man from Parnasree in Behala, Arijit Das, died of dengue at the state-run School of Tropical Medicine on Thursday, marking the second reported dengue death in Kolkata so far this year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Last Saturday, artist Swaroop Mukerji (75), a resident of Sunny Park, had succumbed to the infection. A state health department official said though the dengue count was much lower this season than that in previous years, there had been a slight uptick in the past two weeks. Following Das's death, KMC health department initiated a special vector-control drive in and around Parnasree in Behala. A watch is also being maintained on a couple of dengue patients in the area, whose conditions are reportedly stable. Das had been down with fever since Saturday. After a blood test confirmed dengue on Sunday, his family took him to SSKM Hospital. With no bed being available there, Das was sent to Sambhunath Pandit Hospital, an SSKM unit, where doctors reportedly did not advise him admission. But his family admitted him to Vidyasagar State General Hospital in Behala. Despite initial improvement, Das's condition deteriorated, leading the family to shift him to School of Tropical Medicine on Thursday. A hospital official said the patient's condition had already turned critical and the admission process was still on when he died. A KMC health official said the civic body was investigating the reason behind Das's transfer from Vidyasagar Hospital in a critical state. "We are finding what compelled the family to shift Das from Vidyasagar Hospital to School of Tropical Medicine," he said. While the earlier victim, Mukherjee, had distinct comorbidities, Das had no known comorbidity. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Immune system plays a vital role in diseases, like dengue. The condition takes a turn for worse in case of hyper response against the virus, causing cell damage," said Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri, microbiologist at Peerless Hospital. Currently, almost all hospitals in the city have admitted dengue patients, with the number rising slightly now. "Given that vector-control measures were launched much ahead of monsoon this time, the number of dengue cases in the city has stayed low this year. But we witness a rise around this time every year," said a health official. "While civic bodies must ensure vector-control measures are in place in public places, citizens, too, must take steps to check mosquito breeding inside homes. " Health experts said the current weather condition was conducive to mosquito-breeding. Amid long gaps between shower spells over nearly two weeks, sunshine, humidity and water puddles provide Aedes aegypti mosquitos suitable breeding conditions. Parnasree, where the latest victim lived, and surroundings are listed as a dengue-prone zone. "We are engaging extra manpower for a renewed vector-control and awareness drive there," an official said. Dengue threat also looms over some areas, sharing borders with other municipalities, like Maheshtala (near Behala), Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Baranagar and Rajpur-Sonarpur. According to a new plan, KMC executive health officers will maintain close contact with health departments of bordering civic bodies and share data. "We will extend logistic support to them when required," said an official.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business Standard
This Independence Day, free yourself of stress with these simple techniques
As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, it's also an opportunity to embrace freedom of a different kind — freedom for the mind. Stress, anxiety, and daily pressures can weigh one down. But by drawing inspiration from India's ancient meditation and breathing traditions, simple daily practices can help you reduce stress, enhance immunity, and feel truly liberated from mental clutter. Breathing exercises to calm the mind quickly Pranayama, the ancient practice of controlled breathing, is one of the most effective ways to manage stress. Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing, which includes inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7, and exhaling for 8, trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) balances the body's energy and helps soothe anxiety. According to Dr Gorav Gupta, senior psychiatrist and chief executive officer of Tulasi Healthcare, New Delhi, such controlled and deep breathing techniques not only lower cortisol levels but also improve focus and emotional regulation. Meditation to reduce stress Experts stress that meditation is more than a trend; it is a proven tool for mental wellness. Mindfulness and concentration practices can lower stress hormones, improve sleep, and increase resilience. Dr Mrinmay Kumar Das, principal consultant, Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, highlighted that repeating intentional phrases, positive affirmations or focusing on your breath can retrain the brain to respond calmly to challenges. Stress-relief practices boost immunity: Experts According to experts, chronic stress suppresses immune function, increasing vulnerability to illnesses. Breathing exercises and mindfulness reduce stress hormones, improving circulation and lung function. This strengthens the immune system, making your body more resilient to both mental and physical health challenges. How to start practising calmness techniques? Find a quiet spot – Sit comfortably, spine straight, where you won't be disturbed. Try 4-7-8 breathing – Inhale 4 seconds, hold 7 seconds, exhale 8 seconds; repeat 5 cycles. Alternate nostril breathing – Inhale through one nostril, exhale through the other; switch sides. Add mindfulness meditation – Focus on your breath for 5 minutes, gently returning attention when your mind wanders. Use positive affirmations – Phrases like 'I am calm", "I am in control' can reinforce mental resilience. Consistency is key. Even 10 minutes a day can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
