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Addiction & Substance Use

Addiction (alcohol and substance use disorders)

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026

Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a health condition in which a person keeps using alcohol or drugs despite harm, with cravings and loss of control. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Treatment works, and help can begin with a confidential conversation.

About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.

Care in the language you think in

At a glance

Common signs

  • Loss of control over substance use
  • Continuing use despite harmful consequences
  • Craving and preoccupation
  • Tolerance
See more

How it is usually treated

  • Medical detoxification
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • CBT for addiction
See more

Where to start

A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.

Book your free pre-consultation call

Registered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.

Signs

Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.

How people often describe it

  • “I cannot stop drinking or using even though I want to”
  • “My family is worried about my drinking”
  • “I need more and more to feel the same”
  • “I feel sick or restless when I stop”

People who live with addiction may also notice depression, generalised anxiety or sleep problems. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.

When to get help soon

Stopping heavy alcohol use or some drugs suddenly can be dangerous. Get medical advice before you stop. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital for seizures, confusion, severe shaking or hallucinations. Tele-MANAS is on 14416.

How it is diagnosed

A psychiatrist asks, without judgement, about what is used, how much, for how long, past attempts to stop and the effects on life, and checks for depression, anxiety and physical health.

Treatment and support

  • Medical supervision for withdrawal when it is needed, which may require in-person or hospital care
  • Motivational interviewing, which builds your own reasons to change
  • CBT and relapse-prevention skills
  • Family therapy and guidance for relatives
  • Mutual-help groups
  • Treating related depression, anxiety or trauma

How Mindly helps

Mindly's psychiatrists offer a confidential assessment, counselling and relapse-prevention planning online. If withdrawal needs medical supervision, or hospital or in-person care, your clinician will tell you. All care is online, by video.

You can talk to a psychiatrist online, read what a first online consultation involves and see how pricing works before you book. Related reading: when to see a psychiatrist.

Your first appointment

A psychiatrist asks without judgement about what you use or do, how often, and how it affects health, work and family, and checks for mood or anxiety problems alongside.

Who is involved

A psychiatrist leads care with a clinical psychologist for therapy, and tells you if in-person or medically supervised care is safer.

Between sessions

Reviews track cravings, triggers and setbacks, and a setback is treated as part of recovery, not a failure.

What to expect

  1. Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
  2. First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
  3. Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
  4. Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
  5. Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.

Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works

Book your free pre-consultation call

Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.

Common questions

Is addiction a disease or a choice?

Starting to use may be a choice, but addiction changes the brain's reward and control systems. It is a health condition and treatable.

Can I get help online in India?

Yes. Counselling and relapse-prevention can be done online. Withdrawal may need medical supervision in person, and your clinician will advise.

Is it safe to stop suddenly?

Not always. Stopping heavy alcohol or some drugs suddenly can be dangerous, so get medical advice first.

If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.

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Sources

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