Wed May 28 09:36:28 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The article, written by Alok Kulkarni, an neuropsychiatrist at the Manas Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, discusses the history and modern approaches to treating addiction. It highlights how addiction treatment has evolved from ancient practices to a bio-psycho-social approach that includes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and social interventions. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing intoxication and withdrawal symptoms, using appropriate diagnostic tools, and providing comprehensive care beyond just detoxification. It also explores various therapeutic techniques like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and emphasizes the importance of long-term management and hope in addiction recovery.
**News Article:**
**Addiction Treatment: A Journey From Ancient Roots to Modern Science in India**
**Karnataka, India – May 28, 2025** – From ancient herbal remedies to cutting-edge neuropsychiatric interventions, the treatment of addiction has undergone a remarkable transformation. An article published on the hindu.com, explores this evolution, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of addiction and the comprehensive approaches now employed to combat it.
Written by Alok Kulkarni, a senior interventional neuropsychiatrist at the Manas Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Hubli, Karnataka, the article traces the history of addiction medicine from ancient civilizations to the present day. It notes the early recognition of chronic intoxication as a disease in ancient Egypt and the use of botanical agents by Native American healers.
The modern understanding of addiction emphasizes a bio-psycho-social model, integrating neuropharmacology with psychotherapy and social support. Pharmacotherapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals maintain abstinence, while psychotherapy, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), addresses the underlying psychological and behavioral issues.
“Addiction is multidimensional and disrupts many aspects of an individual’s life. A similarly multimodal approach is needed to treat it”, writes Kulkarni.
The article highlights the importance of recognizing and managing both intoxication and withdrawal states, using thorough assessments and laboratory screenings to guide treatment. While detoxification is a critical first step, it is not enough. Long-term anti-craving management and ongoing therapy are crucial to prevent relapse. Kulkarni noted that approximately 50% of patients with alcohol use disorder relapse within three months of detoxification without longer-term anti-craving management
In India, treatment options include FDA-approved medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate, as well as baclofen and topiramate. Therapy and counselling further enhance treatment outcomes by modifying behaviors, feelings, social functioning, and thoughts associated with addiction.
“When dealing with addiction, it is vital to have endless hope,” concludes Kulkarni, underscoring the significant progress made in understanding and treating this complex disorder, offering renewed hope for complete recovery.
First Piper 