Addiction Treatment in Biratnagar
Dr. Prabhat Chalise, Consultant Psychiatrist
Substance use disorders are health conditions, not moral failings. With the right assessment and support, recovery is possible.
Understanding Addiction
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of compulsive substance use — such as alcohol, cannabis, or opioids — that continues despite harmful consequences to health, work, study, or relationships.
Addiction is not a choice or a weakness of character. It is a recognized health condition that affects how the brain and behavior respond to the substance, and it often runs alongside other mental health problems.
Recovery is a process, not a single event. With individualized psychiatric assessment and support, many people regain control over their lives.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Signs of a developing substance use problem
- A strong craving or urge to use the substance
- Loss of control over how much or how often it is used
- Needing more of the substance to get the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped
- Continuing to use despite harm to health, finances, or relationships
- Spending increasing time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance
Impact on daily life
- Neglect of work, study, or family responsibilities
- Financial problems related to substance use
- Conflict with family members or coworkers
- Mood changes, irritability, or withdrawal from others
When Should You Seek Psychiatric Help?
Seek help if substance use is affecting your health, work, study, or relationships, if attempts to cut down or stop keep failing, or if you are worried about dependence.
Concern from family members is often an early signal. An assessment is confidential and non-judgemental, and it can clarify the severity of the problem and the safest way forward.
How Psychiatric Assessment Works
The assessment covers your pattern of substance use, how long it has been present, and how it affects your physical and mental health. The psychiatrist will also review withdrawal symptoms, previous attempts to stop, and your motivation to change.
Because mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression often coexist with substance use, both are assessed together. The plan is individualized to your circumstances.
Treatment and Management
For some substances, withdrawal can be medically significant, so stopping suddenly is not always safe. Detoxification and withdrawal management should be carried out under medical supervision where appropriate.
Treatment may combine counseling and psychotherapy, family involvement, relapse-prevention strategies, and, when appropriate, medication prescribed by a qualified psychiatrist.
Long-term follow-up and support are important, because recovery involves building a stable routine and addressing the underlying issues that contributed to the substance use.
Living With and Managing Addiction
Recovery usually works best as part of a broader plan: a structured daily routine, supportive people around you, honest communication with family, and care for your mental and physical health.
Relapses can happen and do not mean failure. They are a reason to review the plan with your psychiatrist, not to give up.
When Is Urgent Help Needed?
Severe withdrawal from alcohol or opioids can be dangerous and may require emergency medical care. Seek urgent help for confusion, seizures, severe agitation, or signs of overdose.
If substance use is accompanied by self-harm or suicidal thoughts, treat this as a medical emergency and contact local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is addiction a disease or a choice?
Addiction is recognized as a health condition. The initial choice to use a substance and the development of dependence are different, and dependence involves changes that are beyond simple willpower.
Is it dangerous to stop alcohol suddenly?
For people who drink heavily and regularly, stopping suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from alcohol and some other substances should be managed under medical supervision.
Can addiction be treated with counseling alone?
Treatment is individualized. Counseling and psychotherapy are often central, and medication may be appropriate for some people. A psychiatric assessment determines the most suitable combination.
What should a family member do?
Family members can encourage an honest, non-judgemental conversation and support an assessment. The psychiatrist can guide families on how to help without enabling the substance use.
More Information
For more about Dr. Prabhat Chalise and his professional background, see the About page. For an overview of all areas of care, visit psychiatric services at Dristi Clinic. Common questions are answered on the FAQ page, and appointments at Dristi Clinic in Biratnagar are arranged by phone — see the contact page for details.