Dr. Ananya Rao
Adult Psychiatry
MD Psychiatry
Leads the inpatient psychiatric team, with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders.
Conditions · Addiction & de-addiction
Addiction & de-addiction
Addiction is a medical condition in which use becomes hard to control despite harm. Treatment is voluntary, built around your goals, and supported by medical care, therapy and a long-term plan.
AlcoholOpioidsCannabisSedativesBehavioural addictions
What it can look like
Signs of addiction & de-addiction
Not everyone experiences every sign, and intensity varies. If several of these sound familiar, an assessment is worth having.
- Strong cravings or urges
- Needing more to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- Withdrawal symptoms when cutting down
- Continuing despite relationship, legal or health problems
- Giving up activities and responsibilities
- Life narrowing around one substance or behaviour
Free self-check
Unsure what you are experiencing?
Take a two-minute reflection based on the signs above. It is private, and it is not a diagnosis.
6 short questions
A two-minute check-in on addiction & de-addiction
You will see one question at a time. There are no right or wrong answers, and nothing is saved.
Understanding it
Types & presentations of addiction & de-addiction
Alcohol
Dependence on alcohol with cravings and withdrawal.
Opioids & sedatives
Prescription and non-prescription painkillers, sleeping pills and heroin.
Cannabis & stimulants
Cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and related drugs.
Nicotine
Smoking, oral tobacco and vaping.
Behavioural addictions
Gambling, gaming and other compulsive behaviours.
The Sakura approach
How we treat addiction & de-addiction
Every plan is individual, but care generally moves through these stages.
- 01
Assessment & shared goals
We map your use, triggers, severity and what you want from treatment.
- 02
Medically supervised detox
Safe withdrawal with symptom management and 24/7 monitoring when needed.
- 03
Therapy & relapse prevention
Motivational work, CBT, craving management and group programmes.
- 04
Aftercare
A 12-month structured follow-up, family programme and alumni support.
Care pathways
Integrated, evidence-based addiction care pathways
From assessment to sustained recovery, our structured approach combines therapy, medically supervised treatment, family involvement and peer support — personalised and measurable.
Mild to moderate addiction
Therapy-focused pathway
Motivational and behavioural therapy to build readiness, manage cravings and change the patterns that keep use going.
Structured Motivational Enhancement Therapy helps you move through the cycle of change at your own pace, strengthen motivation and build new behaviour patterns, with family support when needed.
- Assessment of use pattern, triggers and goals
- Motivational enhancement and CBT
- Craving and trigger management skills
- Relapse-prevention plan and regular review
People with mild to moderate use who are not at risk of dangerous withdrawal, and who want to cut down or stop while living at home.
Reduced use or abstinence, better control of cravings, and a relapse-prevention plan you understand and own.
Moderate to severe addiction
Integrated pathway
Therapy combined with medical and psychiatric care, including supervised detox and medication where indicated.
When addiction is moderate to severe, willpower is not enough. Medical supervision makes withdrawal safe, and medication plus therapy address both cravings and the habits behind them.
- Medically supervised detox and stabilisation
- Medication for cravings and withdrawal where indicated
- Therapy and family or couples work
- 12-month structured aftercare
People with moderate to severe addiction, a history of failed attempts, withdrawal risk, or co-occurring mental-health conditions.
Safe detox, stabilised health, fewer cravings and a structured year of aftercare to protect recovery.
Helping yourself between sessions
- Identify your top three triggers and plan for each
- Remove alcohol or substances from easy reach
- Attend recovery groups or follow-up sessions regularly
- Replace routines tied to use with new ones
If you are supporting someone you love
- Set kind but firm boundaries; avoid enabling
- Do not shame — shame fuels use
- Look after your own wellbeing; join the family programme
- Respond to a lapse calmly and get back to the plan
Where care happens
Choose the level of care that fits
Meet the specialists
The clinicians who will look after you
A named psychiatrist and therapist from day one.
Questions answered
Your questions about addiction & de-addiction
Straight answers to what people and families ask us most.
Our care team is happy to talk it through — no obligation.
No. Treatment is voluntary and built around your goals, and proceeds only with your consent.
Yes. Structured care helps many people reach stable recovery, though it often takes several attempts and several months.
It can be, especially with alcohol, sedatives and opioids. Medical supervision is strongly recommended.
A lapse is a brief return to use. It does not erase your progress, and addressing it early prevents a full relapse.
Generally adults cannot be admitted without consent unless there is acute risk to themselves or others.
By learning about addiction, setting kind but firm boundaries and joining our family programme.
When to seek help
Stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids suddenly can be dangerous. Please seek medical supervision before you cut down.
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. In India, the Tele MANAS helpline is 1-800-891-4416.