Substance Abuse Treatment in India

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.