On National Anti-Drug Addiction Day, it's crucial to highlight the growing challenge of substance abuse in India. In India, commonly used and easily accessible drugs include cannabis (bhang, ganja, charas), heroin (chitta), opium, prescription drugs (painkillers, sedatives), alcohol, tobacco, etc.

There is a devastating impact of heroin, commonly referred to as 'chitta' in regions like Punjab and Jammu. It's often sold at affordable prices, making it readily accessible to vulnerable populations, including young adults and adolescents. The ease with which drugs like 'chitta' are accessible has created an alarming addiction crisis, affecting countless individuals and their families.

Recovery from drug addiction is a monumental achievement, but the battle doesn’t end with the completion of a rehab program. The post-recovery phase is often the most challenging. Returning home to environments where drugs like 'chitta' are easily available poses a significant risk of relapse.

So, how can someone who has completed a drug abuse recovery program thrive in such high-risk settings?

Building Resilience Through Mental Health Support

Substance abuse recovery is a complex and often arduous journey that involves much more than just overcoming physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. While detoxification and physical rehabilitation are critical first steps, sustaining long-term sobriety requires addressing the profound mental and emotional impacts of addiction since substance abuse and mental health are deeply interconnected. Many individuals who struggle with addiction may also face underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.

The psychological impact of addiction can leave an individual vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Regular therapy and counselling can help them manage their emotions and reduce the temptation to relapse. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are especially effective in helping individuals cope with cravings and triggers.

This is why, rehabilitation centres ensure post-recovery follow-up sessions for continued psychological support and post-recovery assistance.

Addressing Trauma

Many individuals who struggle with addiction may have experienced trauma, whether it’s childhood abuse, violence, or other significant emotional upheavals. Unresolved trauma can act as a persistent emotional burden, driving individuals toward substance use as a way to numb their pain. By addressing the root causes of trauma through therapy, individuals can begin to heal and move forward in their recovery journey with a sense of closure and emotional freedom.

Practicing Mindfulness and Stress Management

Stress is a major trigger for relapse, especially in environments where drugs are easily accessible. Emotions like stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger can all serve as powerful triggers for substance use. Incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help recovering individuals manage stress and anxiety. They can be effective in helping the person shift focus from distressing thoughts to calming practices. They help cultivate awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings, allowing for better regulation of emotional responses to stress.

By addressing mental health concerns through therapy and by practicing mindfulness-based exercises, individuals can learn to identify and cope with these emotional triggers in healthier ways.

Physical Wellness

Exercise, in particular, has been shown to reduce cravings and improve mood by releasing endorphins—natural mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. Regular physical activity can also help reduce anxiety and depression.

Developing Strong Support Systems

Having a solid social network is crucial for anyone trying to maintain sobriety. Friends, family, and loved ones can serve as a vital source of support. Engaging loved ones in the recovery process through family therapy can help them understand the challenges of addiction and provide the individual with much-needed emotional backing. Additionally, surrounding oneself with sober peers or mentors who have successfully navigated recovery can be a strong protective factor. These relationships help to reinforce positive behaviors and create an environment of accountability and encouragement.

Relapse Prevention Planning

A detailed relapse prevention plan should be a key part of the post-recovery process. This plan can help individuals identify personal triggers (such as stress, certain places, or social settings) and develop coping strategies to manage them effectively. Another important aspect of relapse prevention is having an emergency action plan in place.

When drugs are readily available in one's home environment, it’s vital to establish boundaries. This could mean avoiding certain social circles, staying away from known drug hotspots, or moving to a new location if feasible. Changing one’s physical environment, if possible, can significantly reduce the chances of encountering triggers.

Developing New and Healthy Habits

Boredom and a lack of purpose can often lead to relapse. Individuals need to cultivate new hobbies and interests that provide meaning and fulfillment. Engaging in creative pursuits, volunteering, or taking up new courses can help reduce idle time and provide a positive focus

Moreover, communities should invest in rehabilitation centers, counseling programs, and post-recovery support systems to help individuals reintegrate into society.

National Anti-Drug Addiction Day reminds us that overcoming addiction is not just about detoxifying the body but also about healing the mind. Mental health support, strong social systems, and relapse prevention strategies are essential for maintaining sobriety, especially in high-risk environments.

By integrating psychological therapies, wellness practices, and strong support systems, individuals can not only overcome addiction but also lead fulfilling, meaningful lives in recovery. With continuous support and the right interventions, it is possible for recovering individuals to navigate environments where drugs are prevalent and to reclaim their lives with dignity and hope.

Showering every day has been a matter of discussion. But you will always find someone who has gone a day or two without a shower. While it is generally not considered unhygienic, dermatologists have now raised concerns about this habit.

There are always red flags which are sent by your skin if you miss bathing. Some of you may experience scaly patches or discoloured parts. It may even start to look dirty because of hyperpigmented spots. It's not dirt, though. If you reach that point, you might want to see a dermatologist right away, who can determine if you have dermatitis neglecta.

Understanding This Condition

Dermatitis neglecta, as the name suggests, is caused by neglecting the skin. While it might look like dirt, it is just neglecting the skin. Besides discolouration, it is also reflective of significant inflammation and irritation caused by a lack of personal hygiene.

Why Does It Happen?

The answer lies in how your skin sheds. Every few weeks, all dead cells are removed. Cells slough off. Showering helps this process along, even if you don't use an exfoliant. Therefore, when you aren't showering, those cells are likely to remain on the upper layer of your skin or epidermis. If left for days, it will naturally combine with all the bacteria, sweat, oils, and grime your skin encounters. And a layer of tough buildup will begin to appear.

How Long Can It Take For A Person To Get Dermatitis Neglecta?

Dermatitis neglecta does not happen overnight or even in a couple of weeks. A 2015 study in the Journal of Dermatology explored three cases. In one of the cases, the affected individual had not cleaned a part of her body for no less than three to four months. (As a side note, the woman had gone through surgery and was worried about causing an infection in the area, which is why she stopped washing it.) Fortunately, the skin treatment for dermatitis neglecta is fairly simple. Most people can resolve skin issues that are related to dermatitis neglecta with regular cleaning and, in stubborn or severe cases, alcohol-based wipe-downs or administration of topical agents.

There are many conditions that can affect a woman’s reproductive health. Certain medications or conditions that need hysterectomy can cause early menopause in women. There are many likely reasons why this happens. According to Office on Women’s Health (OASH) family history, smoking, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation or autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, could be some of the reasons why some women go through early menopause.

However, a new study shows that endometriosis could also be a reason for early menopause in women. The study published in the Human Reproduction journal found that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, which involves the removal of both ovaries, compared to women without the condition. Furthermore, they are twice as likely to have this surgical procedure before the age of 40.

Women with endometriosis face a greater risk of experiencing natural menopause earlier than others. They are 1.4 times more likely to enter natural menopause before the age of 40, a stage defined as premature menopause. These women also have an elevated risk of early menopause, occurring between the ages of 40 and 44.

What Is Endometriosis?

It is a persistent condition affecting approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. According to the NHS, it involves tissue similar to the womb lining appearing in other parts of the body. Previous research has shown a significant delay of nearly nine years in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, potentially leading to missed treatment opportunities and irreversible organ damage due to the continued growth of this misplaced tissue.

According to the World Health Organization, 190 million women throughout the globe have endometriosis, which is roughly 10% of people. Not only does it cause pain during periods, issues in bowel movements, urination etc., but also causes bloating nausea, fatigue and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and infertility.

What Does Early Menopause Mean For Women?

It's crucial for women with endometriosis to be aware not only of the wide range of debilitating menopause symptoms they might experience earlier in life but also of the broader health risks associated with premature menopause, whether it occurs naturally or is surgically induced. These risks include cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Researchers from the study stressed the importance of understanding the causes of early or medically induced menopause to implement proactive measures for managing the associated long-term health risks.

OASH explains that women who experience menopause early may face similar symptoms and health issues as those going through regular menopause. However, some women with early or premature menopause might also have a greater chance of developing serious health problems like heart disease and weak bones (osteoporosis) because they'll live for a longer time without the protective benefits of higher estrogen levels.

They might also have more intense menopause symptoms, and there are treatments available to help manage these if they interfere with daily life. Additionally, some women may feel sad or depressed about losing their fertility early or the changes in their bodies. If these feelings, like low energy or loss of interest in enjoyable activities, last for more than a few weeks, speaking to a doctor is recommended.

Have you ever noticed both magnesium and manganese written on the food labels and wondered if they were the same thing? If yes, then you're not alone. Their similar names confuse many but these two essential minerals serve very different roles in the body, and mixing them up could lead to nutritional imbalances or even toxicity.

So What Differentiates Magnesium From Manganese?

The first key difference lies in how much of each your body needs. Magnesium is considered a macromineral, which implies that it is required in relatively large quantities—around 420 milligrams per day for adults. In contrast, manganese is a micromineral or trace mineral, with the recommended daily intake being just 2.3 milligrams. This stark contrast makes accurate dosing crucial, particularly when supplements are involved.

Overconsumption of this mineral can lead to toxicity or other health conditions. Magnesium plays a foundational role in over 300 enzyme systems in the body. These enzymes are involved in vital processes such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. It is also essential for the formation of DNA, RNA, and glutathione, as well as for energy production and maintaining heart rhythm through the proper movement of potassium and calcium across cell membranes. Essentially, magnesium is deeply involved in nearly every system in the body.

How To Get These Nutrients?

To ensure you're getting enough magnesium, aim for a diet rich in fibre. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources. Even certain types of water—like mineral or tap water—can contribute to your magnesium intake.

Manganese, though needed in much smaller amounts, is no less important. This trace mineral supports several key functions, acting as a cofactor for enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase. It plays a role in metabolising amino acids, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and glucose. Additionally, manganese is involved in bone formation, immune responses, and reproductive health. Notably, it also helps with blood clotting when working in tandem with vitamin K.

Word Of Caution: Some Food Inhibit Manganese Absorption

You can find manganese in many of the same foods that contain magnesium—leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and whole grains—as well as in teas. However, its absorption can be inhibited by certain compounds like phytic acid and oxalic acid, which are found in foods such as beans, spinach, and soy products. Even tannins in tea can slightly reduce how well your body absorbs manganese.

While both minerals are vital, they are not interchangeable. Taking the wrong supplement or misjudging your dietary needs may mean missing out on the specific health benefits each mineral provides—or worse, consuming a toxic dose.

As with most nutrients, it is best to meet your mineral needs through a varied and balanced diet. Supplements can help in cases of deficiency, but should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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