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Mumbai is the city of dreams with relentless ambition and opportunity for economic and social growth. However, with better opportunities comes intense competition, and the high pressure may make individuals resort to substances or other addictions to handle the stress. In fact, according to a report, Mumbai accounted for the most drug-related cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Additionally, behavioral addictions, like gambling and internet addiction, are also seen in the state.
Addiction is a complex mental problem that takes shape when individuals lose their willpower and continue to misuse despite its consequences. Some signs may include loss of control, painful withdrawal symptoms, or neglecting major responsibilities. In such cases, medical detox and structured rehabilitation are the most effective paths to recovery.
For individuals in the metropolitan state, distinguishing between heavy use and addiction can be dangerous. Recognizing these signs is a critical and important step towards recovery. Let’s look into some common signs of addiction, which may require you to seek professional help.
7 Warning Signs You Need Professional Help for Drug Addiction in Mumbai
The need for professional help is indicated when the behavioral or drug addiction disorder becomes a compulsion and actively impacts the individual’s personal life. Let’s look into the warning signs in detail below.
Complete Loss of Control Over Use
Loss of control is a major defining feature of serious addiction. This is the sign that the brain’s reward system is altered, making the substance use a compulsion. It might look like
- Failed attempts to quit: You have repeatedly tried to cut down or stop using the substance or behavioral addiction. However, all the attempts have resulted in relapse.
- Intense cravings: Extensive and powerful urges or cravings, which dominate your thoughts, making it difficult to focus on different activities.
More usage than intended: You constantly use a larger amount of substance or spend more time on the internet than initially planned.
Physical Dependence and Withdrawal Symptoms
Once the body shows signs of dependence on the substance, stopping can be dangerous without proper supervision. Signs of physical dependence include:
- Enhanced Tolerance: You may need a higher amount of the substance to achieve the euphoric high, which was earlier achieved with a small dose.
- Withdrawal Issues: When you stop using, you may have painful physical and psychological symptoms. These can be tremors, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, to severe complications, like seizures, delirium tremors, or hallucinations, requiring immediate medical detoxification.
Using to Avert Withdrawal Symptoms: Individuals may be forced to resort to substances as withdrawal complications may be unpleasant.
Neglecting Responsibilities
When the substance or negative behavior impacts daily responsibilities, it is an indication that things are not right. It can show up in numerous ways:
- Drop in Grades: For students, a sudden drop in grades and missing classes or education is a grave sign of some issue.
- Work/Career Problems: Missing work or being late for work constantly, with poor performance, may be another sign. Additionally, this may lead to losing a job due to all the issues.
Avoiding Household and Family Responsibilities: Failure to fulfill household responsibilities and maintenance.
Social Isolation and Abandonment of Hobbies
A person who is addicted to substances or harmful behaviors may revolve around the addiction. This will push them out of friends or societal groups, and they might hang around with other addicts. Some signs may be
- Loss of Interest: Seclusion and missing out on previously enjoyable, social, or occupational activities. This may include giving up on sports, music, religious services, etc.
- Secretive Behavior: Hiding and lying about the addiction to avoid confrontation or judgment.
- Change is Friend Circle: Old friends are usually replaced with new associates. These new associates are usually also users of addiction, thereby reinforcing the addiction cycle.
Continued Use Despite Harmful Consequences
Continued usage is a critical criterion that signals the compulsion to override rational thought. The individual is aware of the harmful circumstances, but they cannot stop.
- Health Issues: Continuous substance use can cause numerous health problems, such as liver diseases, cardiac issues, or other problems. It also causes severe mental health disorders, like anxiety, depression, or paranoia.
- Relationship Damage: The continued use despite several problems in relationships due to the use of the substance or harmful behaviors.
- Legal Troubles: Substance usage may lead to risky behaviors, which can lead to arrests or accidents. Furthermore, the possession and consumption of illicit
Psychological and Personality Changes
A noticeable change in the emotional and personality state is another sign of addiction. This requires efficient psychiatric and therapeutic intervention. The signs of this are:
- Erratic Mood Swings: Rapid shifts in mood, irritability, or angry outbursts, which are not common in that individual.
- Dishonesty and Defensiveness: Individuals will become highly defensive or hostile when questioned about the addiction.
- Co-occuring Disorders: Symptoms of anxiety, depression, paranoia, and panic attacks may co-occur with substance use disorders. Rehab centers in Mumbai are equipped to handle dual-diagnosis requiring integrated treatment.
Financial Distress
To fund their addiction, individuals may resort to spending excessive amounts of money and depleting their personal finances. It might look like
- Excessive spending: Spending a significant amount of money on substances or gambling, leading to debt or unpaid bills.
- Poor Financial Management: The constant need for addictive substances or behaviors leads to a total disregard for financial stability.
- Frequent Borrowing: Individuals may frequently ask for loans or need money. In some instances, they may also steal money from their friends or family members to fund their addiction.
What to Do if you Spot Signs of Addiction in Mumbai
If you recognize more than one of the above-mentioned signs, then it is important to move past personal treatment and seek professional help.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Start by consulting a physician or psychiatrist, who can advise or refer you to a center for better assistance.
- Find a Qualified Therapist: Look for a licensed rehab center that will assist in medical detoxification and effective treatment. Alpha Healing Center’s rehabilitation center in Mumbai has been a lifeline for countless people struggling with addiction in the state. The center has state-of-the-art facilities and follows the dual-approach to treatment to achieve the best results.
- Implement Aftercare Planning: Addiction is a chronic disease and requires effective aftercare planning for long-term sobriety. Alpha Healing Center offers extensive aftercare support via follow-up counselling and connection to support groups.
