The pattern of going around circles is attributed when it doesn’t achieve any positive results of individual or societal growth.
But to the Irony we also see that the pattern of going around circles is a natural law.
The day is followed by night, the morning followed by afternoon , evening, night and it repeats…
The seasons follow a cycle. If there is any disruption, It will lead to a huge damage or disaster.
What we understand by this is any cycle which has a role to play is established to make life enduring, enriching and makes living beings grow in their own sphere.
But when we come to vicious cycles it can lead to self destruction as well as destruction of the respective surrounding environment.
Abhimanyu fought in a circle when he finally reached the middle of chakravyuha because he was taught about it when he was in his mother’s womb but he was not aware how to get out of it because the teachings were abruptly stopped and remained incomplete.. It gives us the idea of the ability to conceive ideas, skills and values through mother’s womb.
Also addictions are similar one can’t come out of this circle unless the unlocking mechanism is taught or known. The addictions or substance abuse is also a major cause for the COVID DEATHS due to lowered immunity and already coexisting morbidities and lung disorders.
I am working on the divine mother baby project by Dr. Neel where we try to imbibe the values in the pregnant mother so that the born baby is a biologically and genetically engineered by giving the values and skills even when the baby is still in her womb. Research is being done extensively and the government has supported it by introducing it in to ANC. I can introduce it in detail in another write up.
Many people argue about Lord Shiva using Alcohol or Marijuana.
But do they realise that the Lord was a saviour when he drank the poison and survived. Can we do it ? It needs depth of mind to understand the mystical Hindu scriptures and its profound truth.
The addictions work when one starts taking pleasure from it and can’t get out of it.
It can be anything not just drug abuse, It can be pride out of success, riches, materialism,love or spirituality. If it gets to the head it means it is going to destroy. One should be able to live a life of materialism without getting attached to the pleasures of it. Be aware and honour the senses but don’t be a slave to it.
That is why in India we have a custom to leave something which is very dear to us in Kashi.
Kashi is a Holy pilgrimage place in Varanasi. It is a part of practicing and volunteering renunciation once in a life. Also there is such ritual during the Indian marriage ceremony. All these rituals indicate the importance to stay in that renunciate state inspite of being in the materialistic world and honouring the senses with a subconsious awareness of preparedness to willingly renunciate the pleasures.
Reasons for developing addictions;
It is the rush of pleasure from using drugs can provide temporary solace from suffering, which can stem from many mental health or other issues including the following:
- Trauma or abuse
- Mental illness
- Low self-esteem
- Poverty
- Relationship problems
- Loss of a loved one
- Stress
- Chronic pain or medical conditions
But whatever their reason for starting, once addiction sets in, the disease usually spirals more and more out of their control.
Once a person can become an addict at any age, the earlier substance abuse begins, the more likely it will escalate to serious addiction.
It has been stressed that Family, friends, and socioeconomic status have a significant impact on a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. But I have seen cases where people having a sober background and with high values in life also developing addictions. I have seen people recuperate from addictions with their own conscience once it get triggered by one single fact which hits it. So medicines can play a role in relieving their symptoms of withdrawal but it is their own will to stop going through the vicious cycle. Meditation and heart to heart counseling does help too.
The Effects of Drug Addiction
The sad truth is that more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities are caused by substance abuse than by any other preventable health condition only because it causes a false sense of euphoria and an elevated state of ecstasy leading to doom.
Prolonged drug dependence interferes with just about every organ in the human body, and while different drugs have different damaging effects, these are some of the common symptoms substance abuse can cause:
- Damaged immune system, which increases susceptibility to infection
- Cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and collapsed veins
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Liver overexertion or liver failure
- Seizures and strokes
- Hallucinations
- Widespread brain damage that can interfere with memory, attention, and decision-making, as well as permanent brain damage
Some of the worst effects of substance abuse aren’t even health related. Drug abuse can have a number of damaging consequences on an addict’s social and emotional well-being, including:
- Loss of employment
- Relationship loss
- Incarceration
- Financial trouble
- Homelessness
- Risky sexual behavior
Homeopathic Medicines for the Effects of Drug Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
Homeopathy offers an excellent support for those withdrawing from drug, tobacco or alcohol addiction. It relieves the immediate withdrawal symptoms as well as it treats the underlying cause, inherited, acquired or emotional.
Homeopathy has many effective remedies for deaddiction. These remedies are selected on the basis of patient’s genetic make up, physical make up and mental make up and the doses are administered according to the severity of the addiction. The treatment is coupled with counselling, meditation, diet and life style modifications. This holistic way of treatment ensures the disease is treated from the roots so the chances of recurrence is less.
Avena Sativa: Best homeopathic medicine for drug addiction when dealing with withdrawal symptoms.
The effects of morphine or heroin, as well as of cocaine, tobacco, marijuana, and valium, are treated effectively with Avena Sativa. It is one of the best ways to overcome morphine addiction. Avena Sativa works very well in treating insomnia due to drugs or alcohol.
Nux Vomica: Homeopathic treatment for drug addiction with abdominal symptoms, nausea and vomiting.
Sour taste and nausea in the morning, accompanied by retching, is an indicator for the use of Nux Vomica. The stomach is very sensitive to pressure when applied externally. The patient feels Intoxicated; the feeling is worse in the morning. The patient may complain of vertigo with momentary loss of consciousness. Indigestion caused by alcohol, coffee, and other drugs is treated well with Nux Vomica. Its commonly called as the hangover remedy by homeopaths.
Morphinum: Homeopathic medicine for drug addiction with heart symptoms.
In cases indicating the use of homeopathic medicine Morphinum, there is a violent throbbing in the heart along with a small and weak pulse. There may be a sudden alteration in the heart rate which is known as tachycardia or fast heart rate, and bradycardia or slow heart rate. The patient may be delirious and suffer from depression. Morphinum also works well for cases of drug addiction in which the patient is in a dream-like state and feels indifference.
Coffea: Homeopathic medicine for drug addiction with marked insomnia after a phase of excitement.
The patient experiences increased energy, ecstasy, sleeplessness on account of excess mental activity, and an increased flow of ideas. He is unable to sleep from an excessive intake of coffee. The patient experiences great loquacity, his brain feels clear, and he is extremely active. The patient also feels strong enough to do anything.
Hyoscyamus: Homeopathic treatment for drug addiction accompanied by hallucinations and delusions.
The patient experiences a confused mind and seems intoxicated, laughs, sings, recites poetry, and babbles deliriously. The patient does foolish things and does not behave normal. Hyoscyamus also helps patients with an addiction to alcohol and those who experience intoxicated rages. In such cases, there is involuntary urination along with hallucinations.
Opium: Suitable homeopathic medicine for drug addiction accompanied by drowsiness.
The patient falls into a heavy and deep sleep, he wants nothing, and says that nothing ails him. The patient is hot, sweaty, drowsy and has cold limbs. The complaints are accompanied by a heavy, deep sleep, and noisy, laboured breathing. Loss of consciousness and a coma from drug overdose is also treated well with Opium.
Sulphuricum Acidum: Homeopathic medicine for drug addiction with a craving for alcoholic stimulants.
The patient experiences hot flushes, trembling, and cold sweats, accompanied by humming and tickling in the ears. Sour vomiting and hiccoughs, along with nausea and shivering, is effectively treated with Sulphuricum Acidum.
QUIT SMOKING
SMOKING KILLS, HOW TO QUIT?
DANGERS OF SMOKING:
· Smoking kills 15,000 people every day.
· Approximately 900,000 people die every year in India due to smoking as of 2009, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
· Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and about 70 of them are known to cause cancer.
· Smoking cigarettes is the number-one risk factor for lung cancer. But, smoking can affect your entire body.
· Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
· There is no safe cigarette. People who smoke any kind of cigarette like light cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco are at an increased risk for smoking-related diseases.
QUIT SMOKING:
Smoking cessation or quitting any addiction is a significant lifestyle change though it is not an easy task, with it comes anger, anxiety, depression, and frustration.
Once you quit smoking, your body notices a shortage of nicotine, usually in about 3 days and then it goes into withdrawal. You can expect to feel irritable, restless, depressed, moody for about 2-3 weeks after quitting and then it gets little easier. Well planed strategies help you cope with these undesirable expected difficulties.
HOW TO QUIT SMOKING:
1. WILL POWER:
Quit smoking at once and commit yourself to being smoke-free. 3-5% people are successful with this method without any medicine or any help.This is the easiest method to implement, but the most difficult to carry out successfully. The success of this method will depend entirely on a person’s willpower. Those who quit abruptly are more successful than those who quit gradually,
· To increase your chances of success with this method, consult a psychologist who will keep you on a right path and will keep you motivated to achieve your goal.
. Try to take up new activities to occupy your hands or mouth, like writing, painting or chewing sugarless gum.
· Avoid situations and people who smoke; keep yourself busy with friends and family who encourage you and build your confidence.
· Consider having a backup strategy in case you are unable to go this way.
2. NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NRT):
NRT is the successful method for quitting smoking with a 20% success rate. By chewing gums, eating lozenges, or wearing patches that contain a very low dose of nicotine, you get the nicotine your body crave for. You have to gradually reduce the NRT dosage, eventually weaning them off nicotine. The nicotine in NRT is very low and hence you will never get addicted to it.
3. MEDICATIONS:
A doctor can prescribe you certain medications that are designed to help curb your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Homeopathy has certain medicines that reduce tobacco craving as well as withdrawal symptoms without any side effects
1. Tabacum
Tabacum is made from tobacco. It helps for those that experience nausea, motion sickness, vomiting with cold sweats, watery diarrhea, vertigo, paleness, angina and palpitations, depression, and sexual weakness. Cold air improves symptoms, but things worsen from heat.
2. Caladium Seguinum
Caladium sequinum helps with those that cannot experience a bowel movement without having a cigarette first. Other symptoms present when caladium is necessary include asthma, nausea, vertigo, headaches, impotency, depression, nervousness, and sensitivity to noise.
3. Ignatia
Ignatia is used when there is an aversion to tobacco smoke. Common symptoms will include toothaches, spasms, twitches, tics, faintness, and chilliness. They also have suppressed grief, anger, shock, and fear. They are also an idealist and become sensitive quite easily. Symptoms worsen from touch.
4. Lobelia
Lobelia is made from Indian tobacco. It is used for smoking withdrawal, especially when the person has asthma, emphysema, a weak stomach, indigestion, vomiting, intense nausea, vertigo, cold sweats, and a lot of saliva. The person is also a hypochondriac, and fear leads to shortness of breath. Also for secondary passive smokers.
5. Nux Vomica
Nux vomica is appropriate when the person experiences irritability, depression, stress, insomnia, and anxiety when they are trying to quit smoking. Besides cigarettes, the person will also likely abuse other stimulants like alcohol, drugs, and coffee. The person is also very quite critical, driven, and uptight by nature. They also have a lot of unsatisfied urges.
6. Plantago
Plantago will help create a dislike for tobacco. The person’s symptoms will include facial neuralgia, earaches, toothaches, eye pain, restlessness, irritability, red wetting, depression, and insomnia from tobacco. Movement seems to improve symptoms, but things worsen from touch and resting.
7. Staphysagria
Staphysagria is great for people with addictive tendencies, including the need for tobacco, alcohol, food, TV, sex, and attachments to relationships. Hunger is also common, along with cravings for milk, bread, and sweets. The person is also obsessed with sex and masturbation. Tobacco use will cause angina, heartburn, coughing, itchy skin, and frequent cystitis. Suppressed rage and anger are also common.
8. Other Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic nicotine also helps eliminate nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms while the person is trying to quit. Avena sativa is a homeopathic remedy that improves mental clarity when quitting. Finally, arnica montana will reduce the extreme desire for a cigarette.
4. ALTERNATIVE METHODS:
· Many smokers found that Vitamin C tablets, candies or lozenges help curb their cravings.
· Meditation can be a useful practice to help distract your mind from the desire to smoke.
COPING STRATEGIES:
IRRITABILITY: Bath, relax, music, take a walk, talk to a friend, breathing exercise, yoga, meditation.
FATIGUE: Relax, sleep, increase intake of fluids
SLEEPLESSNESS: Avoid tea/coffee/soft drinks after 6pm, develop habit of reading books.
COUGH: Drink plenty of fluids, use lozenges, take steam inhalation
WATERING OF NOSE: Drink plenty of fluids
DIZZINESS: Relax, change position slowly
LACK OF CONCENTRATION: Avoid stress, manage your time and work load
CONSTIPATION: Eat fresh vegetables, fruits, drink plenty of fluids
HEADACHE: Relax, eat small snacks, drink plenty of fluids, meditate
HUNGER: Eat small meals at short intervals, eat fresh vegetables and fruits,
CRAVING FOR SMOKING: DISTRACT YOURSELF. Drink water, read, exercise, deep breath, talk to your loved ones, REMEMBER THE URGE WILL DIE IN FEW SECONDS.
ALCOHOL ADDICTION
Alcoholism or Alcohol addiction is a disease of brain that can creep into a person’s life without even realizing it. There are only couple of medicines used in conventional medicine to treat alcoholism; however these work only temporarily and come with associated side effects. On the other hand, homeopathy has been extensively used to treat alcoholism from its roots with minimum chances or relapse.
The following things need to be managed effectively to achieve optimal result for alcohol addiction
- Total detoxification of the body and management of withdrawal symptoms
- Counselling
- Medications to control addiction
- Rehabilitation in severe dependency
Homeopathy for alcohol addiction:
Homeopathy offers an excellent support for those withdrawing from drug or alcohol addiction. It relieves the immediate withdrawal symptoms as well as it treats the underlying cause, inherited, acquired or emotional.
Homeopathy has more than 100 remedies for alcoholism; the top most are Sulphur, Avena Sativa, Nat Mur, Cannabis Indica, Nux Vomica, Quercus, Capsicum etc. These remedies are selected on the basis of patient’s genetic, physical and mental make up and the doses are administered according to the severity of the addiction. This holistic way of treatment ensures the disease is treated from the roots so the chances of recurrence is less.
Acid sulph Q Removes cravings for wines and brandy. A dose can be given when craving starts.
Angelica Q produces hatred for alcohol products.
China offi Q removes craving in alcoholics who wish to reform.
Phosphorus in potency and Quercus Gland Q takes away craving for alcohol.
Sepia and Gelsemium in potency given alternately takes away craving for beer.
Silicea one dose given when patients cannot tolerate alcoholic stimulants causes discomfort. It will remove the craving and will produce dislike and aversion.
Sterculia Q lessens craving for liquors.
Strychninum Nit 3x given as per indication also removes cravings for alcohol in any form.
Sulphur 200 removes the desire for alcohol intake all the day. A ragged philosopher.
Syphilinum 1 M a dose per month can be given as per indications when alcohol dependency runs in families(Hereditary)
Healthy diet to cope up with the symptoms of alcohol addiction
Apart from the Homeopathic treatment, there is a need for good diet to detoxify the effects of alcohol. The body needs a healthy diet to make up deficiencies caused by alcoholism. The person needs to take drink at least 3-4 liters of water and eat food containing more vitamins, iron, manganese, potassium, amino acid, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Note: Self prescriptions are harmful. All medicines are only indicative. A homoeopathic doctor should be consulted.
The following lifestyle modifications will help in quitting alcohol addiction:
- Exercise regularly to keep fit and healthy. Regular walk is one good exercise.
- Drink lot of water to detoxify your body. It helps in removing the toxins from the body.
- Eat small portion of food frequently. Incorporate raw vegetables, fresh fruits and nuts.
- Avoid the company of people with drinking habits.
- Practice meditation.
“If you are an approval addict, your behaviour is as easy to control as that of any other junkie. All a manipulator need do is a simple two-step process: Give you what you crave, and then threaten to take it away. Every drug dealer in the world plays this game.”
― Harriet B. Braiker,
(Who’s Pulling Your Strings ? How to Break the Cycle of Manipulation and Regain Control of Your life)
Understand the game and don’t fall a victim. Needless to say It cannot be only substance abuse, It can be emotional abuse too. Break the patterns.
The Art Of Healing 