Want to quit? You're not alone.
Addiction is not a moral failure — it's a treatable medical condition. No lectures here. Just honest information, helplines, and your rights.
Save these numbers first
24×7, free, confidential
Govt. of India · available in Gujarati
Mon–Sat · emotional support
24×7 mental health
Alcoholics Anonymous group
Overdose or life threat
Don't fear arrest — the law is on your side
Under Section 64A of the NDPS Act, anyone who voluntarily seeks treatment at a government-recognised de-addiction centre is immune from prosecution for personal use. Seeking help is not a crime — dealing is.
- •The helpline (14446) does not ask for your identity.
- •De-addiction treatment in government hospitals is free of cost.
- •Doctor–patient confidentiality is legally protected. Doctors cannot report you.
Where to go — step by step
Call first
Call 14446. You don't have to give your name. They will refer you to the nearest centre in your district.
Govt. centre
Every district hospital and civil hospital has a free de-addiction ward. NIMHANS-recognised IRCAs are also free.
Bring family
Take one trusted person along. After treatment, AA/NA support groups meet weekly across Gujarat.
The real cost of addiction in Gujarat
Sources: AIIMS · NDDTC national survey · NCRB · state health surveys.
Gujaratis who regularly use some substance
estimated annual spend on illicit alcohol & drugs
deaths in India each year due to alcohol (NCRB)
alcohol-attributable deaths per year in India (WHO)
- •Liver cirrhosis — failure within 5–10 years of heavy use
- •Doubles risk of high BP, heart attack and stroke
- •Permanent brain damage, shrinking memory
- •Proven cause of mouth, throat, liver and breast cancer
- •70% of domestic violence cases in India involve alcohol
- •Slowly takes your job, relationships and savings
- •Permanently rewires the brain's reward system — joy becomes impossible without the drug
- •20× higher HIV / Hepatitis C risk for injecting users
- •One wrong dose can kill — overdose is silent
- •Rapid damage to teeth, skin, heart, kidneys
- •Psychosis, depression, suicidal thoughts
- •Dealers are never your friends — they sell your life
"Just try it once" — peer pressure, college parties, weddings. The first dose is free. The third costs money. By the tenth, you are the one asking.
Stress, loneliness, breakups, exam pressure, unemployment — these are the triggers. The high gives momentary relief, then returns tenfold pain.
If you're thinking 'it won't happen to me' — every addict thought exactly that on day one.
What actually helps you quit
One day at a time
'Forever' is terrifying. 'Not today' is doable. Decide again every morning.
Tell one person
Addiction grows in secrecy. Mother, sister, brother, friend — tell one person you trust.
Tire the body
30 minutes of walking, running or any workout daily — your brain makes its own dopamine. Cravings drop.
Avoid the triggers
Friends, streets, hangouts tied to the habit — stay completely away for the first 90 days.
Get counselling
Willpower alone isn't enough. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is proven. Tele-MANAS is free.
Relapse ≠ failure
Most people take 2–3 attempts. Get up, start again. Giving up the attempt is the only real defeat.
One call today. A new life tomorrow.
Your courage can save your family, friends and children. It all starts with one phone call.
This page is for information only, not medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor.