A MISSION BORN OF COMPASSION AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Chennaibest.com spoke to Dr. Shanti Ranganathan, founder of the T T Krishnamachari Clinical Research Foundation on alcohol and substance abuse in the region.

Now that the institution is completing 22 years of its existence, and the whole thing has become professional, I would like to say that this was born out of purely personal reasons.

What would you consider the most significant achievements of TTK Hospital?

As an achievement, I feel, both the professionals and the public perceive drug addiction and alcohol abuse in a different way today. Substance abuse is seen as a disease today. Earlier it was considered a sin and lack will power on the part of the addict. That has changed now. This is a major achievement. It helps a long way in helping the addicts lead a normal life.

I would say that there is definitely no decrease in the incidence of substance abuse. More awareness about the problem exists today. People now sit back and look at the problem. Also, they find ways to tackle it effectively. NGO's have created such an atmosphere. In 1984, when the ban on prohibition was lifted in Tamil Nadu, the number of drinkers increased rapidly. Social drinking has been on the rise, rather steadily. Especially for those in the age group of 18-20 years, nearly 20% will be alcoholic.

We notice that in the villages the use and abuse of alcohol is more. Violence related with addiction is on the rise. We, therefore, visit villages and conduct camps. We extend treatment camps at their doorsteps. In Chennai, I think the I V (intra-veinal) drug abuse is on the rise. We have noticed this at our Day Care centre at Trustpuram. This is a free centre. At this centre alone, we have at least 270 I V abuse cases alone every day, which is nearly half the total number. Most of the I V abuse cases are from the seacoast areas and Ennore. It is usually prevalent among the plumbers and the working class.

Substance abuse implies both drug and alcohol abuse.

Well, let me give an example to illustrate this. All of us take sugar. But not all of us would have diabetes. It's the same in the case of substance abuse as well. We call a person alcoholic, whose chronic drinking habits affect different compartments of his life continuously, like job, family and personal life. Most often, social drinkers become alcoholic. It is not intentional, it is beyond their power. They loose control. Therefore it is categorised as a disease.

Mostly Men. They come from all walks of life. Very few women have been reported so far here.

One reason that is now accepted everywhere is the genetic factor. Those who have a family history of substance abuse are more prone than the rest. Another reason I would cite is the easy availability of these substances.

First is the detoxification. Then we resort to psychological therapy. We believe that much more needs to be done. A significant change in the lifestyle has to happen. We also expect the patients to lead a quality life and not just abstain from consumption of alcohol.

I would say that this method is easier for the addict to recover. It is not just one person but the entire group that resolves to give up alcohol. It makes the addict feel comfortable, as he is not alone in the recovery process, but the whole group is behind him. This group support also acts as a constant source of motivation for him.

20% of the cases are treated free here. The treatment costs approximately Rs.5, 000 - Rs. 6, 000 (for the general ward). We have very few special wards, which are much more expensive.

About 55% of our patients treated here have been able to lead a sober life. The rest have problems in recovery. A good number stays on the borderline, alternating between relapse and recovery. We do not wish to claim that the patient has recovered, unless he is able to maintain a certain 'quality of life', apart from leading a drug-free life.

Genetic proneness to alcohol.

It was intended to create an alcohol-free atmosphere in the industries. We are thus involved with Kasturi & Sons and Hindustan Motors.

Total abstinence from alcohol and other drugs. Improvements in lifestyle - effecting positive changes in attitude and behaviour.

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