A few days back when I was resting on my couch with a cup of
coffee and watching TV I came across an interesting program on a TV channel. It
was promoting an herbal product regarding deaddiction. Many TV artists came and
introduced about that product and suddenly an ad popped out saying the product
was successful in the deaddiction of nearly 50 lakh people in the state. Wow is it possible? Is it true? What does it
have? And many other questions came to
my mind. This is the background in which I started to write this blog.
Well friends I am personally
a strong believer in deaddiction. Deaddiction is no joke and no easy task to
any treating physicians or psychiatrists as many have found it. But is it
possible to release a person from the stronghold of alcohol, tobacco and drugs?
The answer is a strong yes. But it takes a good amount of patience from both
the patient and the treating doctor and also from the caregiver to succeed in
this ultimate battle. By saying a person is addicted we usually not only consider
the physical dependence but also their psychological dependence. They both form
two sides of the coin. Most of the time the physical dependence is treated but
the psychological dependence is found wanting. To completely relieve a person
from any form of addiction means treating
both these factors in the
background of his personality, the support of family members and also the society.
Deaddiction is no joke as it is being currently misused by
many unqualified personnel with little knowledge in this regard. Deaddiction is
just another medical treatment which needs medical expertice. The person who
treats should know all about the addicting agents, their medical complications,
the drugs used to treat them and so on. Also deddiction is a long process and
it requires constant monitoring until complete cure. So when I came across
these ads I just remembered the plenty of patients and caregivers who report to
the hospital feeling disappointed after using these types of products. Friends
beware of these products and ads. These products have no scientific proof or no
prior research. All the data they project is false. Well these products have
the same dose to all patients, same for all addicting agents and no contraindications
or precautions. Is it possible? “Well I can just remember a comedy in a Tamil
movie in which a comedian asks for a single medicine for a no of his physical
complaints”. Well friends think twice before you buy these products. Are they
registered under the drugs act? Do they have a batch no? Do they carry a
manufacturing and expiry date? The answer is a big no. they are very clever to
use the word herbal to fool the public and escape many govt restrictions. Well
friends if you are reading this article please beware of these false promises
and consult your nearby treating physician or a psychiatrist who are qualified
to treat you. The take home message is these herbal products are not addiction
killers but your pocket killers. Beware.
Let’s Make a Difference.
Dr.Bevinsathya.