Pune: As liquor shops reopen, experts share that binge drinking after month-long abstinence from alcohol is not good for physical as well as psychological health.
IMPACT ON MIND AND BODY
Speaking to Sakal Times, Mukta Puntambekar, Deputy Director of Muktangan Deaddiction centre in Pune, said that consuming alcohol after a gap of a month can be harmful to body and mind.
"Suddenly, after a gap when alcohol is taken, there is a huge impact on the physical and mental wellness of a person. Now the challenge is for families. The family has to help the addict is not going back to the addiction," said Puntambekar.
OVERCOMING ALCOHOL ADDICTION
"Recently, a video went viral, in which a person was giving detailed reasons as to why the liquor shops should remain open to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The person who made the video was an alcoholic addict. We replied the video through another video in which we explained how a person could leave his addictions. Coincidentally, the person who made the video was living nearby and approached us. So we helped him cope up without alcohol by counselling him," said Puntambekar.
She opined that the liquor shops should remain shut to help these patients for a few more weeks.
Dr Ajay Dhudhane, President of Anandvan De-addiction centre, said that many people who are addicted to alcohol and tobacco did not anticipate that the lockdown would extend.
DEALING WITH ADDICTION IN LOCKDOWN
"It took them around the first ten days to get used to the lockdown. They were hoping that by April 14, the lockdown will end. However, that did not happen. So after April 14, many of them got alcohol and other substances from other sources. Their abstinence period increased. However, mentally they do not give up on the need for alcohol. Many had planned parties after May 3," said Dhudhane.
He added that the person continues to do this when they stop having alcohol.
"There is a lot of counselling needed. Hence our helpline number is functional. We are not able to admit people, but we can help the person via telephonic counselling. Family and friends should stand as a support system for the person who is addicted," said Dr Dudhane.
FOR HELP, CONTACT
Anandvan helpline number 9373763636
Muktangan helpline number 8149044598, 020-26697605, 09423209443