When we hear the words ‘substance abuse’, the substances we usually think of first, are not of Indian origins. Does that mean however that there are no substances in India that cannot be abused? As we will explore in this blog, that is definitely not the case.
Let’s start with the one which is most known about and that is the Bhaang. A paste made out of the leaves and stems of the cannabis plant, consumed with a milk-based drink, Bhaang is one of the most famous intoxicants which finds itself in the midst of even the mythological stories of the Hindu cosmology. It has such a cultural significance that Holi and Maha Shivaratri are considered bland without this intoxicant by many. Even though the consumption of the fruit of the cannabis plant is illegal, a loophole allows Bhang to be legally drunk and therefore the practices and abuse have only flourished. Despite its cultural significance, Bhang abuse can lead to dependence and addiction, and can also have serious health consequences, including impaired judgment, memory problems, and decreased coordination.
Another famous substance prone to abuse in India is Gutka. ‘Gutka’ is a type of chewable tobacco consumed extensively in India. It is also a substance abused by a wide variety of people, from children going to school to old men retired and everyone in between can be a part of the list of victims of Gutka. It is made from tobacco, betel nut, and other ingredients, and can lead to nicotine addiction and a host of other health problems, including fibrosis, oral cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Opium also has a long history of use and abuse in India, although it is not as famous as the use of substances previously stated, its addictive properties along with the dangers it poses force us to include it in this blog. Opium abuse can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and a range of health problems, including respiratory failure, infections, and cardiovascular disease.
The areca nut is a type of nut that is widely consumed in India, particularly in the form of paan, a mixture of areca nut and betel leaf. It is also as widely abused as Gutka with the same spectrum of victims seen in Gutka. Areca nut is addictive and has been linked to a range of health problems, including oral cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
We at Veda Wellness, a Luxury Retreat & Rehab Centre do not demean any kind of abuse since none is more important than the other. All kinds of addicts need help and we are a safe haven for those who require us. If you think you are addicted to any kind of substance, Indian in origin or not, the first step to heal your addiction is to contact us. If you have any close relatives or friends who might need our help, you can help them by sharing this information with them. Support us in the fight against mental illness by sharing our blogs and articles. Let us know how we can be of help.
– Nihar Laljani
– Content Writer For Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness
