A CASE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE –AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Drug addiction is defined as a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive use of drugs resulting in physical, psychological and social harm, and continued use despite evidence of that harm. The overall prevalence of substance abuse amounts to about 18.86% with the mean age of onset of 26.5 years. Keraleeya visha chikitsa granthas like Prayoga samucchaya have given descriptions on antidotes for these madakari dravyas that may be employed in the treatment of substance abuse cases. A 24 year old man has been successfully treated with Ayurvedic medicines incorporating antidotes from Agada Tantra.