Coping with addiction

UDAY LAMA

Coping can be relatively easy given the context in which it takes place but becomes hard, difficult and drawn out when it comes to addiction. This takes the form of going

online on a computer, craving for a fix and watching episodes in a tele-serial.

Playing games or surfing the internet for several hours at a stretch can prove daunting. It leads to exhaustion and fatigue if no thought is given to breaks

in-between, not to speak of straining the eyes and developing a dull throbbing headache. The aches and pains are cumulative, because there is no respite. A bit or irritation could be thrown in for good measure.

Craving for a fix is to be avoided because of the toll it takes and the suffering it exacts. The body develops tolerance to drugs and more of it is needed to bring about the same effect. Small doses are sniffed or injected at the start and soon enough leads to increased amount bringing about dependency, so that the signs and symptoms of withdrawal persists if the substance is not taken.

Tele-serials are beamed via satellites to households and are mostly watched by housewives tuned to the programmes. It involves a family drama with the inevitable turns-and-twists and has characters somehow related to one another. They enact roles that are the high note of the show and follow a sequence, coming as this does in the heels of dramatic overture and laces with octane excitement.

Once addiction sets in only those with a will of their own resist the tempting fare. The initial euphoria is replaced by a sense of something gone wrong and it takes only a slight pretext to start all over again. Perhaps this is due to a humdrum monotonous existence bereft of emotions. But there is no excuse to indulge oneself as there are no benefits. Reaching out and seeking alternatives must be considered.

Coping can be done by spending quality time and making the most of whatever opportunities comes ones way to re-integrate into the mainstream of society. One is only to be blamed if an addiction takes over in a slow and creepy manner. Thus, there is a need to achieve a balance in work, play and recreation and engage in a routine.

Because of constraints one may not readily avail oneself

to find answers and a way

out. Breaking from it all is, therefore, welcome and needs to be reinforced if the end is to be achieved. This is not an easy

task as those few takers testify

in a moment of remorse. So it

is only right not to give in and seek treatment.

It takes an effort to cross the barriers but this need not be a full fledged heroism but borne out of necessity.