What addiction looks like
Addiction is not a lack of willpower, and it is not a moral failing. It is when using a substance, or doing an activity, carries on even though it is causing harm, and cutting down turns out to be much harder than you expected. It can involve alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or other drugs, sleeping pills or painkillers, betting and gambling apps, gaming, porn or shopping.
Signs that it may be time to talk to someone:
- You often use more, or for longer, than you meant to.
- You have tried to cut down or stop and couldn’t.
- You get strong cravings or urges.
- A lot of your time goes on using, getting it, or recovering.
- Work, studies or family life are slipping.
- You carry on even though it is hurting your health, money or relationships.
- You need more to get the same effect.
- You feel unwell, shaky, irritable or anxious when you stop.
- You hide it, or lie about how much you use.
- You rely on it to cope with stress, low mood, loneliness or sleep.
If two or three of these sound familiar, or someone close to you is worried, that is enough reason to talk to a professional. You don’t need to wait until things fall apart.
Why it is hard to stop on your own
With repeated use, the brain learns to expect the relief or reward that a drink, a drug, a bet or a game brings. Stress, boredom, certain people or places, and even a time of day can then set off strong cravings. Shame makes many people hide the problem, which cuts them off from the support that helps most. That is why “just stop” rarely works, and why planned, kind support works better than willpower alone.
How addiction counselling works
Most people do well with a mix of talking therapy and, where it is needed, medical care. Common approaches include:
- Motivational interviewing (MI): a respectful style of conversation that helps you sort out your mixed feelings about changing, without lectures or pressure.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): spotting your triggers and the thoughts that come before using, planning for risky situations, and building other ways to cope.
- Relapse prevention: learning your early warning signs and making a plan for slips, so one bad day doesn’t undo your progress.
- Family sessions: helping the people around you respond without blame or constant fights.
- Treating what sits underneath: anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD or poor sleep often go hand in hand with addiction, and both need attention.
What a psychiatrist adds
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They can check your physical and mental health, plan a safe way to stop if your body has become dependent, treat depression or anxiety alongside, and discuss whether medicine could help with cravings or with staying stopped. Some of this needs in-person check-ups and tests. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your doctor.
Safety first: withdrawal and detox
Stopping some substances suddenly can be dangerous. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) warns that it can be very dangerous to stop drinking suddenly if you are dependent on alcohol. Withdrawal can include shaking, feeling sick, anxiety, seeing things that aren’t there, confusion and seizures (fits). Stopping some other substances, including some prescribed medicines, can also cause serious withdrawal, so always ask a doctor first.
If you drink or use every day, talk to a doctor before you stop. You may need a supervised detox at home with medical support, or in a hospital or de-addiction centre (नशा मुक्ति केंद्र). Online counselling is very useful before and after detox. It does not replace medical supervision during it. If someone has a seizure or becomes very confused, call 112.
How many sessions do people need?
It varies a lot. Some people come for a handful of sessions to cut down or to decide what they want. Others need regular support for several months. Sessions are often weekly at first, then spaced out as things settle. Recovery often includes slips. A slip is useful information about what to plan for next, not proof that you have failed.
Online or in person?
Online works well for counselling, motivational interviewing, CBT, relapse prevention, family sessions and psychiatrist follow-ups. It is also private, which matters to many people who fear being seen walking into a clinic.
You need in-person care for medically supervised detox, physical complications such as liver problems or injuries, very heavy daily use, or when someone is not safe. If outpatient help hasn’t been enough, a residential programme may be the next step. The government’s free de-addiction helpline, 14446, run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, offers basic counselling and can point you to de-addiction services near you.
Help for specific addictions
- Alcohol addiction: cutting down or stopping safely, and support for families.
- Gaming addiction: for adults, teenagers and worried parents.
- Porn addiction: private, non-judgemental help when it feels out of your control.
Smoking, betting apps and other habits
Counselling can help with any habit that has started to control you, not only alcohol and drugs.
- Tobacco, smoking and vaping: the Ministry of Health’s free National Tobacco Quitline, 1800-11-2356, offers counselling by phone. A counsellor can also help with the stress and routines that keep you smoking.
- Betting, gambling and real-money gaming apps: counselling works on the urges, and on the thinking that keeps people chasing their losses. It also helps to hand control of your money to someone you trust for a while, and to block the apps on your phone.
- Sleeping pills or painkillers: don’t stop these suddenly on your own. Talk to the doctor who prescribed them, or to a psychiatrist, about a safe plan.
If you are worried about someone else
Watching someone you love struggle with addiction is exhausting. You may feel angry, guilty, scared and worn out, often all at once. You can get support for yourself even if they are not ready for help. A counsellor can help you set boundaries, talk without blame, stay safe and look after your own health. Read our article on supporting someone without carrying everything alone.
In many Indian families, addiction can stay hidden for years because of worry about what relatives or neighbours will say, or about marriage prospects. Families often try to manage it alone. Talking to a professional in confidence gives you a plan, so you are not carrying the worry by yourself.
Choosing a provider on Mindara
- Who to see: a counsellor or psychologist for talking therapy; a psychiatrist if you need a medical check, help with withdrawal, or treatment for depression or anxiety too.
- Language: every profile shows the languages the provider works in.
- Fees: current fees are shown on each provider’s card below.
- Free first session: some providers offer eligible new clients a free first session.
- Registration: you can check a provider’s registration yourself. See how to find a therapist in India.
Your first session
Your counsellor will ask what you use or do, how much and how often, what you have tried before, your health and mood, and what you want to change. Be as honest as you can. They are there to help, not to judge you. You help set the goal, whether that is stopping completely or cutting down. If cutting down isn’t safe for you, they will tell you honestly and explain why.
Cost and free options
Fees are shown on each provider’s card below, and our therapy cost in India page shows typical fees. Free options include the de-addiction helpline 14446, Tele-MANAS (14416, 24×7), and psychiatry clinics at government hospitals, which usually charge only a small registration fee.
When to get urgent help
Call 112 if someone has a seizure, is very confused, may have overdosed, or is talking about ending their life. Tele-MANAS (14416) is free and open 24×7. See our crisis resources for more numbers.
