Bangalore is a major tech hub with a growing cosmopolitan population looking to scale ranks and earn a living. The environment is great for economic growth, but unfortunately, the high pressure has led to an increase in Drug addictions. In fact, as per a study by The New Indian Express in the state of Karnataka, Bangalore accounted for more than 50% of cases of addiction.
Rehabilitation centers in Bangalore are on the front line to tackle drug addictions in the state. These centres treat traditional substances, like alcohol and cannabis, to newer ones like synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs. They follow a multi-faceted approach to treatment to help resolve the addiction. Alpha Healing Center is a top rehab center in Bangalore offering personalized treatment plans for swift recovery. The center offers a holistic treatment combining medication with therapeutic interventions and extracurricular activities.
Let’s look into the most common drug addictions treated in Banga
6 Common Drug Addictions Treated in Bangalore Rehab Centres
The common treatments available for drug addiction in Bangalore include:
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol addiction is widely recognised as the most prevalent substance use issue in India. It is the same case with Bangalore, with 27.3% of the population being consumers of alcohol. It is a major addiction where individuals seek professional help, and it is a cornerstone treatment at every de-addiction center in Bangalore.
Alcohol addiction is a prevalent issue among working professionals who are dealing with work and career stress. The nightlife and social culture make it a major issue amongst the youth. Additionally, academic stress can also be a cause of alcohol addiction in Bangalore.
The treatment for alcohol addiction at the best rehab centers in Bangalore involves a supervised detoxification program. This detox program removes harmful toxins from the body while providing the right support to tackle withdrawal symptoms. Psychological therapies and medications can also help ease cravings and prevent relapse.
Alpha Healing Center is a premier rehab center in Bangalore, with over 9 years of experience tackling alcohol addiction. The center has some of the best staff and follows the latest therapeutic treatment to get the best results.
Cannabis (Marijuana/Ganja/Weed) Addiction
Marijuana or ganja is a major substance of abuse in Bangalore. It is a common illicit drug used in the state and is frequently used by the younger generation or those going through immense stress. It is usually described as a soft drug, but its heavy use leads to dependence or significant mental health disorders.
Marijuana addiction changes the dopamine reward system in the brain, which makes its use a compulsion. This is why youth in academic settings become addicted to ganja in Bangalore. It can be induced due to peer pressure or the easy availability of the substance in the state. However, possession and consumption of marijuana in Bangalore can incur severe punishments in the state. This can include prison time or a fine.
The treatment offered in a marijuana addiction rehab in Bangalore involves medical detox. However, the withdrawal symptoms are less severe than those of alcohol addiction treatment. The treatment majorly focuses on psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which help in effective recovery. This helps build coping mechanisms and manage stress, anxiety, or cravings.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are a concerning category of addiction in Bangalore. It involves the misuse of legally prescribed medication or illegally obtained over-the-counter substances. They are not common, but the addiction is quite intense, requiring a high level of care.
The common misused prescription drugs include opioids, painkillers, like tramadol, benzodiazepines, codeine syrups, or other narcotic analgesics. Certain medications, like Adderall or Ritalin, are misused by students in highly competitive academic environments. Some street opioids, like Heroin, are also used as an alternative to prescription drugs in the state.
The treatment for prescription drugs is challenging, requiring careful medical detoxification. Patients also require intense counselling to effectively manage severe physical challenges and withdrawal effectively.
Cocaine, Meth, and Other Stimulant Addiction
Cocaine, Meth, or other stimulants are not the drug of choice in Bangalore, but are well-versed in affluent circles and high-pressure environments. They pose a severe threat due to their addictive nature and devastating psychological effects.
These stimulants influence the central nervous system, causing extreme euphoria, paranoia, aggressive behavior, and weight loss. They are usually characterized by extreme depression and irritability, which leads to long-term dependency.
The treatment for methamphetamine addiction in Bangalore requires a structured environment to manage severe psychological and behavioral symptoms. Similar to this cocaine treatment, it requires long-term residential care to restore mental and physical health. Effective evidence-based therapies have to be employed to build coping mechanisms and skills. To tackle extreme withdrawal symptoms, medications may be prescribed to attain long-term recovery.
Hallucinogens like MDMA, Magic Mushrooms, and LSD
The use of psychedelic drugs is generally common in party settings and experimental use. The usage of these hallucinogens is generally common among young adults and partygoers. In fact, as per a report from the Deccan Herald, the usage of synthetic drugs like MDMA or LSD is higher in Bangalore.
Hallucinogens don’t create the same dependence as opioids, but they cause significant psychological distress and flashbacks. The synthetic drugs, like MDMA and LSD, are riskier due to their unregulated contents and dosages.
The treatment approach for hallucinogens, like magic mushrooms, includes a supervised detox and a detailed psychological integration and stabilization. This plays a pivotal role in helping patients process traumatic and disturbing drug-induced experiences.
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine addiction is usually overshadowed by illicit drugs and new substances. However, it is a major addiction plaguing Bangalore and is seen in cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (paan masala, gutka), and vaping. It is a serious public health crisis and usually co-occurs with other substance-use disorders.
Similar to drug addiction, nicotine releases a flood of chemicals in the brain, including dopamine. This brings a temporary feeling of pleasure, but eventually leads to dependency.
The treatment for nicotine addiction co-occurs with other substances and can be a significant trigger for relapse into different drugs. Rehab centers use a combination of behavioral counseling with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Our 15-day quit smoking and stop chewing tobacco program helps lay the foundation for effective recovery from this addiction.
The Comprehensive Treatment Approach of Bangalore Rehab Centers
Bangalore’s de-addiction center follows a comprehensive treatment plan to treat diverse addictions. The common treatment approaches include:
- Medical Detoxification: A safe, medically supervised detox to manage any withdrawal symptoms.
- Evidence-Based Therapies: These therapies form the cornerstone of psychological recovery to efficiently help patients and change the behaviors causing the addiction.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment(MAT): MAT combines evidence-based therapies with medications to efficiently manage cravings or block euphoric effects.
- Holistic Wellness: Extracurricular activities, like yoga, meditation, or occupational therapy, can help manage the patient’s physical and mental health.
- Family Therapy: Programs and counselling sessions with the family members to build trust and fix any issues. This is critical for long-term recovery and sobriety.
- Relapse Prevention and Aftercare: Rehab centers craft a robust plan for care after rehab, including the 12-step program, support groups, etc.
