Discontinuing Areca Nut Products
Worldwide, Areca nut is the fourth most common psychoactive substance consumed. It is only next to alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. It is most common habit in South East Asian countries and diasporas. In India, areca nut has a socio-religious, cultural sanction. Unlike alcohol and tobacco, areca nut enjoys wide spread acceptance in community. The products is often sold in smaller packs at low price at all neighborhood shops.
Types
Areca nut comes in several forms – Pan masala, supari and other traditional forms. Areca nut pieces when combined with tobacco forms newer products. They include Gutka, Mawa and some forms of Khaini etc., The composition is not uniform. Additionally, these products does not have legal sanction.
Need to Quit Areca Nut
Areca nut is a supposed to be a carcinogen and leading to several health problem. They act on the central nervous system and various parts of the brain. The reward centers get involved. Habituation develops that transits to addiction. Areca nut, gutka or panmasala have a physiological and psychological state of dependence.
Consuming these will cause physical harm. To drop the habit is very tough. It would need professional support. Psychiatrist Dr. Anusa, would identify the extent of the addiction to areca nut.
Dr. Anusa’s Treatment
Based upon
- Type of product used
- The level of addiction – physiological or psychological or both
- The degree of other health problems
- Concomitant health issues
Dr. Anusa would develop a customized plan. She also would consider prescribing approved drugs. She will institute other forms of psychotherapy and behavioral modifications. At the end of the treatment, she will train to resist temptation or potential relapse.
For more on the addiction and deaddiction read: https://omrpsychiatrist.in/deaddiction/
For consulting Dr. Anusa at OMR aka Old Mahabalaipuram Road: https://omrpsychiatrist.in/psychiatrist-appointment-omr/