National Narcotics Coordination Portal

What is withdrawal? How long does it last?

Withdrawal describes the various symptoms that occur after a person abruptly reduces or stops long-term use of a drug. Length of withdrawal and symptoms vary with the type of drug. For example, physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal may include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes. These physical symptoms may last for several days, but the general depression, or dysphoria (opposite of euphoria), that often accompanies heroin withdrawal may last for weeks. In many cases, withdrawal can be treated with medications to ease the symptoms, but treating withdrawal is not the same as treating addiction.

What is detoxification or “detox”?

Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. Detox alone is not treatment, but is often the first step in a drug treatment program. Treatment with behavioural therapy and/or medication (if available) should follow detox.

Can drug addiction lead to other mental health disorders?

It’s not uncommon for a person with a drug addiction to have another mental illness, but it’s difficult to know whether addiction is the cause of the mental illness, or whether people with mental illnesses turn to drug use to “self-medicate.” It’s also likely that some of the same genes and brain regions involved in addiction are also involved in other brain and behavioural disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression.

Several foreign countries have legalized consumption of Marijuana (Ganja). Does that mean it has no harmful effect on human health or that Marijuana is not addictive?

No. Marijuana has harmful effects on human body and it is addictive. As of now, consumption, sale, purchase, warehousing, etc. is punishable offence in India

Marijuana Is Just A Plant… Is It Really That Dangerous?

Yes, marijuana is a plant but it has very real health consequences, including drug addiction. While some people think marijuana is a “harmless drug,” actual experience and the real science show a different reality. More teens are in treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illegal drugs combined.

Does Marijuana Use Lead To The Use Of Other Drugs?

While most marijuana smokers do not go on to use other illegal drugs, However, using marijuana puts people in contact with people who are users and sellers of other drugs and are more likely to be exposed to and urged to try other drugs. Hence, it is also called as the gateway drug.

Is just keeping a marijuana joint also an offence?

Yes. In India it is, no matter however small the quantity is.

Ganja, Charas and Opium have been used in India since ages. Despite having traditional uses, are they still prohibited?

Yes. The use, sale, purchase, consumption, warehousing, trafficking etc. of Ganja, Charas and Opium is a punishable offence under NDPS Act 1985 (as amended).

People often blame parenting for addiction of children to drugs/alcohol. Why so?

A person with an addictive personality will take to drugs, alcohol or other addictive patterns of behaviour, irrespective of good or bad parenting. In the case where parents openly display their addictive patterns in front of young children, the chances of the children emulating their parents in later stages is high. However, the child with the addictive personality is the one who is more likely to become an addict, while other siblings from the same family will stay sober and less affected.

What role and support does a family provide to addict?

Home is a place where one can scratch where it itches, and family is a unit from whom an addict expects unconditional support. Most addicts come from broken homes and dysfunctional families. Many addicts even consider themselves responsible for their family situation and dynamics. But in recovery the divorced or separated parents coming together to support their child leads to better chances of recovery. As long as an addict feels wanted and is presented with an idea of emotional security, the need to become and stay sober becomes stronger.

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