A 21 year patient who started
smoking cigarette/biri butts while studying in Class IV. As he grew up
he was prompted to experience a new and thrilling substance “correcting
fluid” (inhaling toluene-based substance). He would spend long hours
outside the house secretly smelling the fluid directly from the
containers, and at times he would splash the fluid over a handkerchief
to smell and inhale.
Patient’s father is a cobbler. Patient was the youngest of the four
siblings. His two elder brothers are post graduates and employed, one of
them pursuing a doctorate in a university. The third brother helps his
father. The child was treated with minimum medication and counselling,
he didn’t complain of gross withdrawal features, ate and slept well and
there was no obvious depression or anxiety. He was discharged after 3-4
weeks and advised regular follow up.
When his father brought him for re-admission in our Centre he was
using ‘Chitta’ (Heroin) intravenously, was drinking heavily and smoking
‘Bhang’ (Cannabis), contrary to his (father’s) usual demeanour he was
sad at that time. The father was reassured and his son admitted. This
time he responded well, stayed in the Centre for more than three months,
took active interest in the Centre activities. He also acted as a peer
counsellor. This proved to be the last admission. After discharge he got
married, is abstinent and not taking any medicine. He and his family
are obliged to the institution for getting him rid of the drugs.
English
Hindi
