Learn about Substance Abuse Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Substance Abuse and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Substance Abuse

Substance abuse treatment by an Internal Medicine specialist involves a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to diagnosing and managing addiction to alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs. This is not a single procedure but a continuum of care that includes detailed medical assessment, management of withdrawal symptoms (detoxification), treatment of co-occurring medical conditions, and long-term relapse prevention planning. The internist utilizes their expertise in the body's systems to address the complex physical and psychological effects of addiction, often coordinating with psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups. The goal is to achieve sobriety, restore physical health, and provide the tools for sustained recovery through evidence-based medical interventions and counseling.

Key Highlights

    Provides holistic care addressing both addiction and its physical health complications.Managed by a physician skilled in diagnosing and treating complex, co-occurring medical conditions.Focuses on safe, medically supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms.Involves creating a personalized, long-term treatment and relapse prevention plan.Coordinates care with mental health professionals for comprehensive recovery support.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of substance use disorder (dependence or abuse) involving alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or sedatives.
  • Need for medically supervised withdrawal management (detox) due to risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
  • Presence of medical complications from substance use, such as liver disease, heart problems, or infections.
  • When substance abuse co-occurs with other chronic medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
  • As part of a pre-operative evaluation or management plan for a patient with active addiction.

How to prepare

  • Initial comprehensive evaluation including a detailed medical history, substance use history, and physical exam.
  • Laboratory tests (blood work, urine drug screen) to assess organ function and confirm substance use.
  • Discussion of treatment goals, options, and commitment to the recovery process.
  • Possible coordination with family or support systems, with patient consent.
  • Development of a preliminary treatment plan outlining detox, therapy, and follow-up steps.

Risks & possible complications

  • Complications during detoxification, such as seizures, delirium tremens (for alcohol), or severe dehydration.
  • Relapse, which is a common part of the chronic disease process of addiction.
  • Adverse reactions to medications used in treatment (e.g., naltrexone, buprenorphine).
  • Unmasking or worsening of underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
  • Incomplete treatment leading to ongoing health, social, and legal consequences of substance use.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Recovery is a long-term process beginning with stabilization and extending for months or years.
  • Post-detox, engagement in ongoing therapy (individual/group) and support groups (e.g., AA, NA) is critical.
  • Regular follow-up appointments with the internist to monitor physical health and medication management.
  • Implementation of lifestyle changes, including stress management, healthy diet, and avoiding triggers.
  • Building a strong support network is essential for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-7 days (Highly variable; outpatient to inpatient detox)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Lifelong process; initial intensive phase 3-6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering substance abuse in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for substance abuse compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 5 Thousand – 50 Thousand 0-7 days (Highly variable; outpatient to inpatient detox) ~ Lifelong process; initial intensive phase 3-6 months Know More
Turkey TRY 17.5 Thousand – 175 Thousand 0-7 days (Highly variable; outpatient to inpatient detox) ~ Lifelong process; initial intensive phase 3-6 months Know More

Top hospitals for Substance Abuse in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing substance abuse.

  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
121+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
89+ Rating

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon78 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon141 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Ayaan Kumar, a 35-year-old restaurant owner,...

Ayaan Kumar, a 35-year-old restaurant owner, developed a severe alcohol use disorder following the financial collapse of his first business during the pandemic. He presented with significant weight loss, elevated liver enzymes, and early signs of neuropathy in his feet. His drinking had become a daily necessity to function, isolating him from his family. His internist recommended an inpatient medical detox for safety, given his physical symptoms, followed by a 30-day residential rehabilitation program focusing on trauma and grief therapy. The residential stay provided a vital reset; away from triggers, he engaged deeply in therapy, confronting the grief and shame of his business failure. Post-treatment, he joined a sober living community for three months, gradually re-engaging with his family and starting a new, smaller-scale culinary venture. His liver function improved significantly. Emotionally, he transitioned from using alcohol to numb profound loss and failure to processing his grief healthily, rebuilding his self-esteem and reconnecting with his loved ones from a place of vulnerability.

Internal Medicine Specialists for Substance Abuse

Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform substance abuse and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Geetha K Subramaniyam K
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sangeshwaran
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Archana D
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Karthik P
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. C Harish
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Veerendra B Sutar
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ravi Kumar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Reshu Agrawal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sanjiv Rao
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashant Bhatt
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gurpreet Singh Dang
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Inderjeet Kaur
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. K Sriram
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. HARIKA UPPALAPATI
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sharada Shekar
  • 43 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dinesh Kamath
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Basavaraj Kuntoji
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Suradkar
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vichar Shyam Nigam
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Narasappa Talkad
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated