Cravings are temporary
Cravings are temporary and peak for 15–30 minutes. They pass, even if it feels like they won't. Urge-surfing—noticing the craving without acting—helps your brain learn that cravings are not commands.
Source ↗Learn and prevent
Short, practical information.
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal
Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause dangerous seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Never quit suddenly without medical help. Seek 108 ambulance or 14405 Vimukthi if shaking, confusion, or hallucinations start.
Source ↗Methamphetamine and MDMA acute risks
Methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) can cause rapid heart rate, extreme body heat, psychosis, and seizures. Very high risk of overdose and death. Call 108 if chest pain, can't breathe, overheating, or losing touch with reality.
Source ↗Cannabis (ganja) in Kerala
Cannabis is the most-used drug among adolescents in Kerala, often supplied by peers. Withdrawal is mainly psychological—no life-threatening medical risk, but cravings can be intense. Breathing and coping skills help.
Source ↗Seeking help is not shameful
Addiction and recovery are health issues, not moral failures. In Kerala, many people hide their struggles due to shame, but asking for help is brave and necessary. Vimukthi and de-addiction centres treat thousands successfully.
Source ↗Vimukthi Mission and services
Vimukthi is Kerala's state-wide de-addiction and recovery programme, running 14 free district centres and a 24/7 helpline (14405). Services include counselling, detoxification, pharmacotherapy, and withdrawal management. Staffed by doctors and counsellors.
Source ↗Craving vs Medical Emergency
A craving is an urge to use—intense but not dangerous. A medical emergency is: can't breathe, chest pain, severe shaking, very hot, confused, seizures. Craving = breathing + coping. Emergency = call 108/112 now.
Source ↗Suicidal thoughts in substance use disorders
People with substance use disorders are 10–14× more likely to have suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is thinking of self-harm, call 14416 Tele-MANAS, 1056 DISHA, or KIRAN 1800-599-0019 now.
Source ↗CRAFT for caregivers
Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) helps family members and caregivers encourage a loved one to seek treatment without confrontation. It increases treatment-seeking from 17% to 64% when used by families.
Source ↗