Treatment For Addiction

Vriddhi Centre for Mental Health

Mental health concerns and substance-use disorders often appear together. This can happen for several reasons:

• Drugs can trigger mental-health symptoms in people who regularly use narcotics or alcohol.

• Mental illnesses may lead to self-medication, where a person uses alcohol or sedatives in an attempt to cope with emotional distress.

• Shared underlying causes such as genetic vulnerability, early trauma, chronic stress, and changes in brain chemistry can contribute to both mental-health issues and substance use.

FAQs

Why do people develop this condition?

Both genetic and environmental factors play a major role. Exposure to trauma, abuse, neglect, or growing up around individuals who misuse substances increases vulnerability. Having a family history of mental illness or addiction also raises the risk.

How does addiction begin?

When substances enter the body, they release an excess of dopamine—the chemical responsible for pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain reduces its natural dopamine production. When the effects wear off, the person may feel emotionally and physically low, creating a strong urge to use again. With prolonged use, the substance becomes necessary just to feel “normal”.

How does addiction impact mental health?

Substance use disrupts communication between the brain’s neurotransmitters. The brain may initially experience euphoria, but long-term use leads to chemical imbalance, dopamine deficiency, compulsive behaviours, mood instability, and worsening mental-health conditions.

Why does it affect relationships?

Addiction doesn’t only impact physical and mental health—it also affects social wellbeing. A person may become withdrawn, secretive, or disconnected as substance use takes priority, damaging personal and professional relationships.

How does it impact society?

Substance misuse influences families, workplaces, schools, and communities. It can lead to lower productivity, academic failure, unsafe environments, increased healthcare burden, and a higher risk of crime or accidents.

Start Therapy at Your Convenience

Addiction is a chronic condition involving changes in the brain’s reward system. It can impair self-control, emotional responses, and decision-making. Many people continue using substances despite knowing the consequences—because addiction is not about willpower; it is about brain chemistry, psychological needs, and life experiences.

At Vriddhi Centre for Mental Health, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals living with substance use and co-occurring mental-health conditions. Treatment is personalised, focusing on symptoms, root causes, and the impact on multiple areas of life.

Major Causes and Risk Factors

Anyone can develop a substance-use disorder. Key risk factors include:

1. Early Use

Young people (18–24) are at higher risk. Early exposure affects brain development, increasing vulnerability to mental-health issues and addiction.

2. Pre-existing Mental-Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression, trauma, or other disorders can increase risk. Substance use may temporarily reduce symptoms, but ultimately worsens them.

3. Genetics

Family history can account for up to half of a person’s risk. Certain personality traits can also make individuals more susceptible to addiction.

4. Environmental Factors

Lack of supervision, parental neglect, peer pressure, and easy availability all increase risk. Children facing chronic stress often turn to substances to cope.

Recognising the Signs of Drug Addiction

Early identification is essential. Warning signs may include:

Behavioural Changes

• Missing work, school, or responsibilities

• Neglecting personal hygiene

• Sudden financial difficulties

• Isolation, secrecy, or withdrawal

• Disrupted daily routines

Emotional Changes

• Irritability or frequent arguments

• Confusion, mood swings

• Making excuses, deflecting blame

Physical Changes

• Bloodshot eyes or nosebleeds

• Tremors, slurred speech

• Sudden weight loss or appetite changes

• Shifts in energy levels

Types of Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol Use Disorder

Characterised by compulsive drinking, loss of control, binge episodes, and frequent heavy drinking.

Drug Use Disorder

May involve illegal drugs, prescription medications, or combinations such as:

• Heroin

• Cocaine

• Methamphetamines

• Benzodiazepines

• Steroids

• Inhalants

These substances change brain wiring and disrupt natural reward systems, leading to continued use despite harm.

Should I Consider an Intervention?

Supporting a loved one can be challenging—often the person may not recognise the severity of the problem.A structured, compassionate intervention can create awareness and encourage the person to seek treatment.When guided thoughtfully, interventions help families express concern without judgement and motivate the individual toward recovery.

Find Help at Vriddhi Centre for Mental Health

Many individuals fear judgement or stigma. At Vriddhi, our therapists approach clients with empathy, confidentiality, and respect.Since substance-use disorders have a high risk of relapse, working with licensed professionals trained in addiction therapy is essential.

We offer:

• Individual therapy

• Family counselling

• Relapse-prevention planning

• Support for co-occurring mental-health conditions

• Online and in-person consultations

Book a Session Today

At Vriddhi Centre for Mental Health, we understand the sensitivity of addiction and provide care rooted in professionalism, compassion, and evidence-based practice.

To begin your recovery journey, contact us or book your first session today. You don’t have to face this alone—healing starts with one conversation.

This article is written and reviewed by Dr. Pavitra, MD Psychiatry (Delhi University), Consultant Psychiatrist, New Delhi.