Lowpill

Addiction Help

Recovery is possible. Free, confidential help is available.

1. National Helpline

  • Ministry of Social Justice National Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-11-0031 / 1860-247-3000
  • 24×7, free and confidential.
  • Available in multiple Indian languages.

2. What This Covers

  • Alcohol dependency.
  • Tobacco / nicotine dependency.
  • Prescription-medicine misuse (especially opioids and benzodiazepines).
  • Recreational-drug dependency.
  • Behavioural addictions (gambling, internet, gaming).

3. Signs You May Need Help

  • Using more, or for longer, than you intended.
  • Inability to cut down despite trying.
  • Cravings or strong urges.
  • Use is interfering with work, family or relationships.
  • Withdrawal symptoms when you stop.
  • Tolerance — needing more for the same effect.
  • Using in physically dangerous situations.
  • Hiding use from others.

4. Treatment Options

  • Outpatient counseling and therapy.
  • Medically supervised detox — important for alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, which can be dangerous.
  • Inpatient rehabilitation programs.
  • Medication-assisted treatment (e.g., naltrexone, methadone, buprenorphine where appropriate).
  • Peer-support groups: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous.
  • Family therapy.

5. Prescription-Medicine Concerns

  • Talk to your prescribing doctor first — abrupt stopping of some medicines is dangerous.
  • Especially benzodiazepines, opioids and barbiturates require medical tapering.
  • Don't share prescription medicines.
  • Don't take someone else's prescription.
  • If you suspect dependency on a prescribed medicine, ask your doctor for a referral.

6. If a Family Member Is Affected

  • You can call the helpline on their behalf for guidance.
  • Al-Anon and Nar-Anon support family members of those with addiction.
  • Set boundaries while remaining supportive.
  • Avoid enabling — covering up consequences can delay recovery.
  • Take care of your own mental health too.

7. Overdose Emergency

If you suspect an overdose, call 102 or 108 immediately. Do not wait. Stay with the person, keep them awake if possible, place them on their side if unconscious, and be honest with the responders about what was taken — they cannot help without that information and there is no penalty for honesty in a medical emergency.