New Delhi: A group of public health experts has launched a sustained campaign to tackle the growing addiction that is causing disruption in families and society. Campaign to empower Doctors Playing an active role in reducing various types of pollution AddictionAt the counseling level. This campaign was launched under the banner of Doctors Against Addiction (DAAD), named ‘A. Recipe For Deaddiction,

“At the heart of the campaign is a powerful symbol, the “HRX”. This symbol represents doctors’ commitment to harm reduction, to address the harm caused by prescription, addiction and harmful drugs. Behaviour“It serves as a ray of hope and change,” said Dr Manish Sharma, Chief Coordinator, DAAD.

“Prescription for Deaddiction is not just a campaign; it is a call to action,” said Dr Sharma.

An assumption has been made in this Health care A scenario where doctors can become champions of change, armed with the knowledge, compassion and tools needed to tackle harmful behaviours. Often, doctors routinely check height, weight, blood pressure and sugar levels. They are now being trained to identify classical symptoms of different types of addictions, he said.

The “HRX” symbol allows doctors to specify the form of addiction or harmful behavior they wish to address.

Dr Sharma said the origin of DAAD became necessary because, in an increasingly complex world, people often seek solace in a variety of behaviours and substances, ranging from gadget addiction and alcohol to drugs and tobacco.

Dr Chhabi Gupta, Senior Consultant, Yashoda Super-Speciality Hospital, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, said that the foundation of any successful doctor-patient relationship is trust.

Dr. Gupta said, “By creating an environment of trust and non-judgement, healthcare professionals can empower patients to talk openly and seek help. During these conversations, they can effectively counsel patients about drug addiction.”

Dr Sharma said doctors are now being trained to listen patiently and ask open-ended questions to identify the type of addiction and reduce the stigma associated with it through compassionate and tailored communication.

He said a solution to de-addiction involves addressing the problem of addiction holistically, eradicating the stigma and bringing the affected individuals into the mainstream.

Apart from the physical harm, excessive behaviour can also wreak havoc on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, said Dr Narendra Saini, former general secretary of the Indian Medical Association.

Dr Saini said, “Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to mood swings, cognitive impairment, and exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions. However, by communicating without judgement, healthcare professionals can make patients feel respected and understood. Constant monitoring strengthens the doctor-patient partnership. And DAAD is a step forward in this direction, helping patients achieve their de-addiction goals.”

Excessive behaviours significantly impact physical health. Excessive screen time causes digital eye strain, sleep disruption and posture problems. Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to liver damage, cardiovascular problems, addiction-related diseases and overdose. These immediate and tangible impacts highlight the need for moderation, Dr Saini said.