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The drug epidemic is over two decades old in India and has moved from socially and culturally accepted phenomenon of recreational / religious drug use of alcohol, ganja, charas and bhang to a social and a cultural newer drug use of heroin, cocaine and designer drugs. Routes of administration have shifted from oral intake and inhalation to chasing and injecting drug use. The population affected has also shifted from rural and occupation specific users to youth in general and urban and slum dwelling populations specifically. While all this, in a way, represents man "hedonistic nature", it is also a symptom of inherent dysfunction of society and social groups and structures. The need to belong, however inadequately, is a sign of changing times and values. Societal dysfunction and the modern rat-race has led to the break up of the family unit and lack of parenting and value system. Corruption is inherent and criminality cannot but follow. The nexus between money laundering, economic offenses, Mafia, drug lords etc. need not be over emphasized. Success, failure, low self esteem, low job opportunities, failure of identity etc. are nodes in a vicious cycle of self destruction. Not the least impediment is the example set up by our peers and role-models of over-indulgence in socially acceptable mood altering substances such as alcohol and nicotine. The oft repeated argument of justifying the above in terms of stress reduction agents needs to be examined and introspected upon. Addiction is compulsive use and obsessive behavior. A balanced lifestyle takes a back seat. Can any of us in all honesty, claim that we are free of behavior that is addictive ? For as many that fall victim to substance (drug) abuse many more through individual example and dysfunctional families perpetuate addictive behavior, addictive logic and self destructive coping mechanisms.
Addiction, it is truly said is all pervasive. It is a disease as listed in DSM - 4 of the American Psychiatric Association. It is a disease of relationships - lack of human ones and a compensatory relationship or attachment to other things. It is also a disease of attitudes reinforcing the fact that being substance (drug) free without commensurate change of lifestyle or spiritual awakening the net result is always relapse. Among addictions (both obsessive and compulsive) can be listed work, sex, food, gambling and many more. As the newer trend of Polydrug Abuse is experienced and observed across the globe it is necessary to treat the whole person instead of treating the visible symptom of dysfunction i.e. the drug that is being abused. This would justify, in essence, why practical strategies would want to concentrate on demand reduction activities instead of supply reduction approaches, for, in polydrug abuse and substitute addiction any number of escape routes are available to allow the client to continue his indulgence of self - gratification and opt not to be in recovery
To achieve true recovery drug users must remain drug-free. But that is not all. They must change their lifestyles and develop their whole person. The following are conditions that together appear to signify substantial and mature recovery from active addiction. Commitment to a drug-free life Commitment does not refer to feelings, because feelings, even honest determination, can come and go. Commitment means action, working hard for something no matter how great the challenge. It means consistently doing what one must to support one goals and beliefs. And remaining drug-free is the top priority for most recovered people. Everything depends on that. Acceptance of higher values Major changes in values appear to go hand-in hand with the growth of commitment to abstinence. WPR usually includes a deeply felt renewal of understanding and respect for moral values and a reverence for life; drug abuse and criminal activity are incompatible with these values. What seems to matter most is that one feels personally rooted in the firm soil of a widely respected moral or spiritual way of life. Adaptation to work and responsibility Addiction disables people so that they can do almost nothing of value for anyone. They become parasites. In contrast, a recovering person sees being productive as a large and vital part of life, and often shows unusual dedication to work. WPR is not marked by the level of one's earnings or accomplishments, but more by how one approaches work: that is, by doing one's best; by avoiding illegal sources of income; by balancing self-reliance and interdependence with others; by steady, self-disciplined and routine attention to tasks; and by striving always to be more productive and skilled. Male or female, old or young, people who have achieved WPR work productively, whether at home, in school, or in employment. WPR, therefore, requires that society allow recovering people into meaningful roles commensurate with their abilities so that they have the chance to learn and grow and do their fair share.
If because of their past, people are looked down upon or rejected, or if they hide their past for fear of rejection, they are still prisoners of that past. Even though recovering peers are often the best helpers in recovery, WPR requires establishing comfortable and honest relationships with people throughout the community. Jobs, skills, new friendships, and opportunities of all sorts come most readily to recovering addicts who, with appropriate guidance, can reach out to neighbours, co-workers, fellow students and recovering addicts alike. Not least, WPR often brings reconciliation with family members. Again, as with the need for work, social reintegration is a " two way street," requiring acceptance from others in the community (usually beginning with the family) as well as sustained efforts, and courage, from the recovering person.
These vital and closely connected aspects of recovery are only recently becoming sufficiently understood. They require specialized guidance. De-addiction means losing the desire to use drugs even in situations that were once very tempting. Re-joyment is the renewed ability to feel pleasure and joy from drug-free activities. After years of addiction, drug craving and an inability to enjoy life without drugs can become deeply ingrained features of both mind and body.
As recovering addicts are accepted by loved ones and new friends, they gradually accept themselves and develop new self-esteem. For them recovery no longer feels like a set of rules and limitations but more like a well-laid road that shows the way to continuing achievement and satisfaction.
These are key ingredients or conditions that appear most likely to foster achievement of any given goal. They seem to be particularly relevant for drug addicts striving towards recovery.
Knowledgeable, reliable information from a respected person or persons. Practical guidance lays out and repeatedly clarifies the pathways to lifestyle change, suggests appropriate next steps, reviews performance, reaffirms the goals, and generally supervises or " coaches" the efforts.
Sincere and personal expressions of approval and support for all honest efforts made towards the goal. Until new behaviour creates its own satisfactions, caring encouragement is often the main " fuel" for moving the process forward.
People who have achieved the goals of lifestyle change and who can share their own experiences. The more role models are available to people who are attempting to change, and the more the problems they overcame resemble their own, the more powerful their example will be.
An organization, formal or informal, of people who voluntarily provide mutual support on behalf of shared goals of lifestyle change. A learning group often provides each of the three factors in some measure. Above all, it can generate social learning conditions and a culture of change and growth for each member.
A recovery model is any formulation of the natural process of development that leads to recovery. This is one formulation that appears to represent the experience of great numbers of addicts who have achieved Whole Person Recovery.
Addicts, usually feeling at a low point, are forced to go through drug withdrawal; establish trust with a helping person; review their experience and recognize the damage and distress drug use has caused; learn basic facts about addiction and what recovery requires; begin to feel more hopeful; after much uncertainty and resistance finally realize that in order to overcome their problem they cannot continue to use drugs in any amount; decide to accept guidance and help in order to learn to live without drugs.
Former addicts join with other recovering peers; with their support they establish simple drug-free routines, learn basic recovery practices, and re-consider values; build bonds with recovering addicts; begin gradual return to or practice of some conventional activities - mainly work skills and everyday recreation - while intensive recovery work continues; may relapse but return quickly to abstinence and recovery practices with their established support.
Former addicts accept helpers and friends outside the recovering addict community; assume conventional roles and responsibilities in everyday settings with growing satisfaction and confidence; adapt recovery practices to everyday life to reduce drug craving and risk of relapse; gradually merge with non-addict community but maintain full commitment to recovery practices and values, eventually demonstrating Whole Person Recovery.
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