WHICH TYPE OF ADDICT
NEEDS ACTIVE MEDICAL INTERVENTION
The definition of
addictions has now been broadened to include a wide range of habits. This is in
addition to habitual use of mind- altering substances. Some people are able to
quit these addictions without absolutely any medical help. It is good if the
withdrawals and recovery are uneventful. However, some persons will do better
to seek medical help.
There are many reasons
for getting medical help for addictions. One reason is that addictions are
medical disorders diagnosed under ‘mental illness’ because the problem is
mainly of behaviour. The problematic aspect is that the person begins to value
the addictive habit more than anything else in his/ her life. Second reason is
that the habit causes harmful bodily changes- for example liver disorders
caused by alcohol. This will need to be checked by a doctor. Thirdly, some
medicines are used to manage withdrawal symptoms and to reduce the temptation
to use again.
As addiction is a behavioural
disorder, Psychiatrists deal with it. Ideally all persons should go for a
medical evaluation. Out of them some persons need hospitalisation. People using
large amounts, continuously and suffering from many complications are admitted.
Persons who have physical or mental illness or injuries, along with addiction
also need hospitalisation. Some persons have tried to quit many times and have
been unsuccessful- such persons need to be in rehabilitation centre for few
months. Persons using multiple substances also require admission in a
deaddiction facility. Rare and unusual addictions will require greater medical
supervision, not necessarily hospitalisation. Persons with reasonable health,
moderate levels of consumption and good motivation can be treated with minimal
or no medication outside the hospital.
