Maharashtra De-Addiction Program

Maharashtra De-Addiction Program DESPITE THE PERILS OF substance and alcohol abuse why do humans get addicted to these stimulants? The answer is always the same - a weak mind. The individual who is dependent on alcohol, drugs and other derivatives lives in a state of self-denial, dejection, self deprecation, feeling of absolute loss, loneliness and is looking for compassion, comfort and love. “Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. The two properties that characterize all addictive stimuli are that they are reinforcing (i.e., they increase the likelihood that a person will seek repeated exposure to them) and intrinsically rewarding (i.e., they are perceived as being inherently positive, desirable, and pleasurable).” - Wikipedia As per Hindu mythology, during the great churning process or Amrit Manthan, several jewels mushroomed (14 to be exact). Among them was Varuni – the Goddess of Wine. Further, consumption of cannabis was known in India since 2000 B.C. It is associated with Lord Shiva, the Adi Yogi. But he was a mendicant who had mastered all the senses and was the suzerain of his mind. But the hapless addicts and alcoholics are victims of this deadly pestilence, succumbing to its ill effects. It has been proven statistically that nearly 15% of individuals who consume alcohol develop a dependency and in the bargain become alcoholics. This is a major health problem, afflicting rich and poor alike. Further dependency on alcohol is associated with acute social stigma. There is nothing macho or brawny about it. This fatal attraction to alcohol deranges families and alcoholics get lost in the byzantine labyrinth of antipathetic thought process. Very often, they are discarded by loved ones and lead a life of ignominy. The major categories of drugs which swamp the minds of addicts include - alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, depressants like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine, marijuana as well as opioids like morphine, heroin and methadone. Primarily such kind of addictions arise on account of peer pressure, poverty, impulsivity, relationship problems, family problems, poor coping skills among others. Shri Venkatesh Manglaram, a senior faculty of the Art of Living has been an inspirational figure in weaning away addicts from this lethal pestilence through some landmark work and contribution. Venkateshji opines that most of the participants gravitated towards such drugs on the assumption it might provide some handy solutions and some relief which triggers the human mind into obfuscating immediate problems, without realizing the immense damage it can cause to the human system. Venkateshji put it succinctly, “When someone drinks alcohol or takes drugs and becomes dependent on it; their family suffers; the surrounding suffers and it overall affects the society. Since I am a part of the society I feel responsible for the same.” The triumvirate of Venkatesh Manglaram, Nitin Pradhan and Ganshyam Gohile have conducted 23 Prana courses together which has upended the pyramid of around 330 addicts in the arid region of Vidharbha in Maharashtra. The fulcrum of the Prana course is to stress on absolute detoxification; de addiction is carried out with a holistic approach. The course is a unique combination of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation and imparting the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya. The course has had a stunning and astonishing strike rate, with as many as 80% participants eschewing dependency on alcohol and drugs. The mind of an alcoholic or a drug addict swings like a pendulum. On one hand is the immediate feeling of euphoria and at the other end is an extremely enfeebled mind which is not robust enough to eschew the dependency. Thus registration of individuals becomes a gargantuan task, the biggest stumbling block. Once they complete the course the results are there to see; radiant faces and minds suffused with jollity. One such participant was Shrirang Jagtap, a resident of Amravati who was trained to be a civil engineer. However he was tragically caught in the vortex of alcohol consumption. In sheer desperation, the gentleman attempted various de-addiction courses at several places and was admitted at different rehabilitation centers but ended up only drinking, with no aperture of hope in sight. Eventually, he attended a Prana course and it has been more than two and a half years now that he is sober and clean. Yet another participant was Amol, a bus conductor in Yavatmal. He began consuming alcohol on account of certain family problems but ended up losing his job due to excessive drinking. The course has benefitted him in such a remarkable manner that presently he has been sober, without touching a drop for more than a year and a half. The duration of the course is such that the participants and teachers strike a chord and are able to empathize with each other. The afflicted can reach out to the teachers whenever they are desirous of giving vent to their feelings. Upon completion of the course it is mandatory to conduct follow up sessions and Satsangs, so that the recovered souls do not hurtle once again towards alcoholism or drug addiction. The success rate of abstinence has been as high as 80%, no mean achievement! In order to construct a ‘NO ALCOHOL’ society, it is imperative that tools of education and large scale awareness about the perils of alcoholism and addiction should be imparted. Venkatesh and his team are working towards this lofty mission.