General Medicine · Jaipur Hospital
Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine in Jaipur
You want to stop but cannot do it alone. We give you a clear assessment and a step-by-step plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Session length
- 30 to 60 minutes per session
- Anaesthesia
- Not needed
- Recovery
- Ongoing support over 6 to 12 months
- Price
- ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per consultation₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 for inpatient detox programmetypical range in India; ask us for an estimate
Use feels out of control
You have tried to cut down but keep going back
Cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and daily stress make it hard to stop. Family tensions rise. Work suffers. You feel stuck in a cycle you cannot break on your own.
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Cravings return quickly
Urges feel stronger than willpower, especially under stress or in familiar settings.
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Withdrawal is frightening
Shakes, sweating, anxiety or low mood appear when you try to stop.
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Family trust is damaged
Arguments, broken promises and financial strain affect everyone at home.
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Health warnings pile up
Liver pain, high blood pressure, breathlessness or frequent infections worry you.
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Work performance drops
Missed days, poor concentration or accidents put your job at risk.
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, relapsing medical condition, not a choice or character flaw.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You worry that withdrawal will be unbearable, that treatment will cost too much, or that people will judge you for asking for help.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Call or visit OPD for first assessment
- 2 Get a personalised plan with counselling and medication options
- 3 Start treatment as outpatient or short inpatient stay
- 4 Continue follow-up and relapse prevention for 6 to 12 months
How treatment works
We assess severity, check liver and general health, then combine counselling with approved medicines. Sessions last 30 to 60 minutes. Inpatient detox takes 7 to 14 days if needed. Ongoing support continues for 6 to 12 months.
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Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Patches, gum or lozenges reduce tobacco cravings and withdrawal symptoms gradually.
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Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol
Naltrexone, Acamprosate or Disulfiram may be prescribed based on your health profile.
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Counselling that builds your own reasons and confidence to change drinking or tobacco use.
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Inpatient Detoxification
Medically supervised withdrawal for severe dependence, usually 7 to 14 days in hospital.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 1 General Medicine consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
What research shows about treatment outcomes
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NNT = 5
One relapse prevented for every five patients treated with naltrexone plus counselling in short-term studies.
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about 10 percent
Transient diarrhoea occurs in about 10 percent of patients taking acamprosate.
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most people recover
Studies show most people with alcohol use disorder reduce drinking or stop entirely with treatment.
If it is left untreated
Untreated dependence can lead to liver failure, seizures, delirium tremens, heart disease, cancers, accidents, job loss and broken family relationships. Severe alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Life after treatment
Most people regain control, rebuild trust at home and return to steady work with ongoing support.
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Fewer cravings
Urges become manageable and less frequent with time and practice.
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Better health
Liver function, blood pressure and sleep usually improve after stopping.
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Family trust returns
Honest communication and kept promises rebuild relationships step by step.
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Steady work routine
Attendance and concentration improve when substances no longer dominate the day.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about tobacco alcohol and addiction medicine
Which problems are assessed under tobacco alcohol and addiction medicine?
In short
Jaipur Hospital assesses tobacco dependence, alcohol use disorder, and other substance use disorders under its addiction medicine service. The team evaluates the severity of dependence, withdrawal risk, and any co-existing medical or mental health conditions. This helps decide whether outpatient counselling, pharmacotherapy, or inpatient detoxification is appropriate for you.
In detail
The service covers nicotine dependence, harmful alcohol use, and dependence on opioids, cannabis, sedatives, or other substances. Assessment follows standard diagnostic criteria such as DSM-5 for alcohol use disorder, which requires two or more of eleven symptoms within a year.
The team also screens for common comorbidities like depression, anxiety, and liver disease, which are frequently seen in people with substance use disorders. Evidence shows that a coordinated approach addressing both the substance use and any co-existing conditions improves the chance of sustained recovery.
A common belief
Many people think addiction treatment is only for severe cases.
What actually happens
In reality, early assessment helps even if you are just worried about your drinking or smoking habits.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You can book an outpatient consultation of 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor will take a detailed history, assess your readiness to change, and discuss a personalised plan that may include counselling, medication, or a referral for inpatient detox if needed. Ongoing support is typically offered over 6 to 12 months.
How will the doctor decide which tests I need?
In short
The doctor at Jaipur Hospital selects tests based on your substance use pattern, medical history, and clinical examination. Common tests include liver function tests, complete blood count, kidney function, electrolytes, and viral markers like hepatitis B and C. The choice is tailored to the substance involved and any suspected complications.
In detail
Evidence shows liver function tests are useful for diagnosing alcohol-related liver disease and monitoring recovery. For alcohol use, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), AST, ALT, and bilirubin help assess liver damage. For opioid or injecting use, hepatitis B, C, and HIV screening are standard.
If seizures are a concern, electrolytes, magnesium, and calcium are checked. The CIWA-Ar scale guides monitoring during alcohol withdrawal. The doctor follows clinical guidelines to order only relevant tests, avoiding unnecessary investigations while ensuring safety before starting medications like naltrexone, which requires baseline liver function.
A common belief
Patients sometimes expect a full body check-up.
What actually happens
But guidelines recommend targeted testing: liver function for alcohol, hepatitis and HIV for injecting drug use, electrolytes for withdrawal risk. This avoids unnecessary tests while catching the complications that actually change treatment decisions.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Tests are done at the in-house diagnostic laboratory, often on the same day. Results are usually available within a few hours to a day. The doctor reviews them and adjusts the care plan, for example choosing acamprosate over naltrexone if liver impairment is significant. You will be informed of any abnormal findings and next steps.
How soon should I expect improvement after starting de-addiction treatment?
In short
Improvement timelines vary by substance and treatment type at Jaipur Hospital. Withdrawal symptoms usually settle within 7 to 14 days during inpatient detox. Craving reduction from medications like naltrexone or acamprosate may start within weeks. Behavioural changes from counselling build over 6 to 12 months of ongoing support.
In detail
Evidence indicates naltrexone reduces heavy drinking risk by 10% and any drinking by 5%. Acamprosate supports abstinence, though trial results are mixed. Topiramate shows medium effect size for increasing abstinent days. Counselling such as motivational interviewing enhances readiness to change. Recovery is an ongoing process with a persisting propensity to relapse.
A common belief
A common belief is that finishing detox means recovery is done.
What actually happens
In reality, detox only clears the substance. The brain and habits need months of support to rewire. Stopping follow-up early often leads to relapse.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will have follow-up sessions of 30 to 60 minutes each. Medication effects are reviewed at each visit. Most people see meaningful change within the first month, but sustained recovery needs 6 to 12 months of support.
How can I tell whether my alcohol or tobacco use has become dependence?
In short
Dependence is diagnosed when use causes significant impairment or distress. For alcohol, healthcare providers use DSM-5 criteria: 2 or more of 11 symptoms in 12 months indicates alcohol use disorder. Mild is 2 to 3 symptoms, moderate 4 to 5, severe 6 or more. For tobacco, dependence includes inability to stop, withdrawal symptoms when not using, tolerance, and continued use despite health problems. Jaipur Hospital uses validated screening tools and clinical assessment.
In detail
Alcohol use disorder symptoms include impaired control, social problems, risky use, and physical criteria like tolerance and withdrawal.
Heavy drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks in a day or 15 per week for men, 4 or more in a day or 8 per week for women. Tobacco dependence shows high prevalence; 55.8 percent of males in India use tobacco.
Screening tools like AUDIT identify hazardous drinking. In studies, 17 to 26 percent of alcohol users qualified for dependence. Comorbid depression, anxiety, and personality disorders are common. Liver function tests help assess alcohol-related damage. Self-report moderately agrees with laboratory testing for substance use.
- Tobacco dependence shows high prevalence; 55.8 percent of males in India use tobacco.
A common belief
Many think dependence means daily heavy use.
What actually happens
But you can have a disorder with weekend binge drinking or occasional smoking if it causes problems. High-functioning people often miss the signs. Screening catches what self-assessment misses.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you answer yes to several criteria — unable to cut down, craving, neglecting duties, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance — seek assessment. The consultation takes 30 to 60 minutes. Bring an attendant if possible. Blood tests may be ordered.
How can I decide whether to seek advice about gutkha and smokeless tobacco cessation?
In short
Consider seeking advice at Jaipur Hospital if you use gutkha or smokeless tobacco daily, have tried to quit and relapsed, notice white patches or sores in your mouth, or feel you cannot function without it. Early consultation improves quit success and reduces cancer risk.
In detail
Smokeless tobacco delivers high nicotine doses, causing strong dependence. Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) reduces withdrawal cravings and is the first-line pharmacotherapy. Behavioural counselling helps identify triggers such as stress, social situations, or oral fixation.
Studies show combined NRT and counselling roughly doubles abstinence rates compared to unaided attempts. Oral examination during consultation can detect pre-cancerous lesions like leukoplakia or submucous fibrosis, which need monitoring or referral. The Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence helps gauge severity. If you have comorbid conditions like hypertension or diabetes, medical supervision ensures safe NRT use.
A common belief
Many users think gutkha is safer than smoking.
What actually happens
It is not; it carries high oral cancer risk and strong nicotine addiction. Waiting for symptoms often means missing early treatable changes.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
A first visit takes 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor will assess dependence level, examine the oral cavity, discuss NRT options, and set a quit date with a follow-up plan. Sessions continue weekly or fortnightly for the first month.
Could several medical conditions or medicines be contributing to my symptoms?
In short
Yes. At Jaipur Hospital, the addiction medicine team routinely screens for comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions and reviews all current medicines. Conditions like depression, anxiety, liver disease, diabetes, hypertension, or chronic pain can worsen substance use or mimic withdrawal symptoms.
In detail
Evidence shows high lifetime comorbidity (around 60%) between substance use disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Alcohol use can cause or worsen liver dysfunction, gastritis, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Opioids and sedatives interact dangerously with other central nervous system depressants.
Some medicines (e.g., certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anticonvulsants) may affect craving, withdrawal severity, or liver enzymes that metabolise addiction medications. Disulfiram is contraindicated in cardiovascular disease and psychosis. Acamprosate requires dose adjustment in renal impairment. Naltrexone is contraindicated in acute hepatitis or liver failure. A comprehensive review avoids adverse interactions and ensures each condition is treated appropriately.
- Evidence shows high lifetime comorbidity (around 60%) between substance use disorders and other psychiatric illnesses.
A common belief
Patients often treat addiction in isolation.
What actually happens
But untreated depression drives relapse, and liver disease changes how addiction medicines work. Missing these links leads to poor outcomes.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Bring a list of all medicines, supplements, and previous investigation reports to your first visit. The team will order relevant blood tests (liver function, renal function, electrolytes) and may refer to psychiatry, gastroenterology, or cardiology as needed.
Which symptoms should prompt me to see a specialist?
In short
You should see a specialist at Jaipur Hospital if you cannot control your use of tobacco, alcohol, or other substances despite wanting to stop. Other signs include strong cravings, tolerance needing more for the same effect, withdrawal symptoms when you cut down, and continued use despite health, family, or work problems.
In detail
Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when at least two of eleven DSM-5 symptoms occur within a year.
These include drinking more or longer than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, much time spent obtaining or recovering from alcohol, craving, failure to fulfil major obligations, continued use despite social or interpersonal problems, giving up important activities, use in hazardous situations, continued use despite physical or psychological problems, tolerance, and withdrawal.
For tobacco, daily use, strong urges, and withdrawal irritability or restlessness are key indicators. Early consultation allows the team to assess severity and start appropriate treatment before complications worsen.
A common belief
People often wait until a crisis like job loss or a medical emergency.
What actually happens
Seeing a specialist earlier gives you more options and reduces the risk of serious complications.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you recognise any of these patterns, book an outpatient consultation. The first visit lasts 30 to 60 minutes and includes a detailed assessment. The doctor will discuss options such as motivational interviewing, nicotine replacement therapy, or medications for alcohol dependence like naltrexone or acamprosate. Ongoing follow-up is usually arranged over 6 to 12 months.
How will the results change my care plan?
In short
Test results at Jaipur Hospital directly influence medication choice, detox setting, and monitoring frequency. Abnormal liver function may shift alcohol pharmacotherapy from naltrexone to acamprosate. Severe electrolyte imbalance or withdrawal scores may indicate inpatient detox for 7 to 14 days instead of outpatient management. Hepatitis or HIV positivity adds antiviral care to the plan.
In detail
Evidence shows naltrexone has dose-related hepatotoxicity and is contraindicated in acute hepatitis or liver failure. Acamprosate is safer in liver disease but contraindicated in severe renal impairment. The CIWA-Ar score guides benzodiazepine dosing during alcohol withdrawal.
High scores or a history of delirium tremens or seizures favour inpatient detox. For opioid use, liver and kidney function guide agonist therapy dosing. Positive viral markers need referral for specific antiviral treatment.
The doctor integrates all results to balance efficacy and safety, adjusting the plan at each follow-up over the 6 to 12 month support period.
A common belief
People often think tests are just a formality.
What actually happens
In reality, they decide whether you can safely take certain medicines, whether you need hospital admission for detox, and how often you need monitoring. A single abnormal liver test can change your entire medication pathway.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will discuss results with the doctor at your next visit, usually within a week. Medication may be started, changed, or dosed differently. If inpatient detox is advised, admission can be arranged promptly. Ongoing monitoring includes repeat liver function tests monthly for the first three months if on naltrexone, then quarterly.
What should I do if my withdrawal symptoms or cravings persist or worsen during treatment?
In short
If withdrawal symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear during treatment at Jaipur Hospital, contact your treating team immediately. For severe alcohol withdrawal signs like confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or severe tremor, go to the 24×7 emergency department. For opioid withdrawal with severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or dehydration, seek urgent care. Persistent cravings should be discussed at your next consultation for medication adjustment or additional counselling.
In detail
Delirium tremens is a life-threatening alcohol withdrawal complication requiring immediate medical care. Seizures can occur in both alcohol and opioid withdrawal. Naltrexone can cause dose-related hepatotoxicity at higher doses, so liver function tests are checked monthly for three months then quarterly.
Acamprosate commonly causes transient diarrhoea. Topiramate may cause cognitive side effects needing slow titration. Disulfiram with alcohol causes severe reactions including tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting. If you relapse, return to treatment right away. Studies show relapse does not mean you cannot recover. The team can intensify outpatient support or readmit for inpatient care if needed.
A common belief
People often wait too long, thinking withdrawal is just uncomfortable.
What actually happens
But alcohol withdrawal can turn dangerous within hours. Opioid withdrawal can cause severe dehydration. Early medical intervention prevents complications.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Keep the emergency numbers 0141-2551500 and +91-7414-001-001 accessible. Attend all scheduled follow-ups for dose review and side effect monitoring. Bring an attendant for support during visits. If travelling, carry enough medication and a prescription copy.
Is it safe for me to stop alcohol or tobacco suddenly on my own?
In short
Stopping suddenly can be dangerous, especially for alcohol. People with severe or moderate alcohol use disorder who stop abruptly can develop delirium tremens, a life-threatening condition with seizures and hallucinations needing immediate medical care. Opioid withdrawal can also cause delirium and convulsions. Tobacco cessation is rarely medically dangerous but causes uncomfortable withdrawal. Jaipur Hospital recommends medical assessment before stopping.
In detail
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is monitored using CIWA-A scale. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam or chlordiazepoxide are used for safe detoxification. Inpatient detoxification over 7 to 14 days provides monitoring for seizures, electrolyte imbalance, and delirium.
For tobacco, nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) reduces withdrawal severity and doubles quit rates. Medications for alcohol like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram are started after detox. Disulfiram is contraindicated if you have recently consumed alcohol, have psychosis, or cardiovascular disease. Naltrexone is contraindicated in liver failure or ongoing opioid use. Acamprosate is avoided in renal insufficiency or advanced cirrhosis.
A common belief
Many believe willpower is enough.
What actually happens
But alcohol withdrawal is a medical emergency risk. Studies show medically supervised detox reduces complications. Even for tobacco, nicotine replacement doubles success rates compared to quitting alone.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Do not stop heavy alcohol use without medical advice. Book a consultation at Jaipur Hospital for a safety assessment. The team will check your drinking pattern, previous withdrawal history, medical conditions, and medications. They will plan a safe reduction or medically supervised detox. For tobacco, they will advise on nicotine replacement or other aids.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about tobacco alcohol and addiction medicine
When you contact us
Get your assessment and plan
Contact Jaipur Hospital for a confidential OPD consultation where we review your health, explain options and give a cost estimate before you decide.
- A consultation with a physician (internal medicine) in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine: what to know
What tobacco alcohol and addiction medicine treats
- about 21 percent Adults reporting alcohol use
- about 4 percent Adults meeting dependence criteria
- men aged 41 to 50 years High tobacco use group
Tobacco alcohol and addiction medicine is the medical care for substance use disorders. These are health conditions where a person cannot control the use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs even when it causes harm to their body, relationships or daily life.
Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of drinking that leads to problems linked with two or more symptoms such as strong cravings, inability to limit drinking, or continuing to drink despite health or social problems. It can be mild, moderate or severe depending on how many symptoms are present.
Opioid use disorder is a chronic relapsing disease that first activates brain reward circuits and over time engages anti-reward circuits that drive negative emotional states and relapse. Tobacco dependence involves nicotine addiction that makes it hard to stop smoking or using smokeless tobacco.
In India, alcohol is the primary substance used apart from tobacco, with about 21 percent of adults reporting alcohol use and about 4 percent meeting criteria for dependence. Tobacco use remains high, especially among men aged 41 to 50 years.
Many people use more than one substance at the same time; studies show high rates of combined alcohol and tobacco use among drug users.
Symptoms and warning signs that need urgent care
- Severe confusion
- Shaking
- High fever
- Seizures
- Seeing or hearing things not there
Common symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:
- Being unable to stop drinking once started
- Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from it
- Continuing to drink even when it causes health, work or family problems
With tobacco, the main signs are:
- Strong cravings
- Irritability or anxiety when trying to quit
- Continuing to smoke despite knowing the health risks
Opioid use disorder shows up as a powerful urge to use opioids, difficulty controlling use, and withdrawal symptoms when the drug wears off.
Some situations need medical attention the same day. If a person with heavy alcohol use suddenly stops drinking, they can develop delirium tremens, a severe withdrawal state that causes confusion, hallucinations, seizures and can be life-threatening. Severe alcohol withdrawal may also cause convulsions. Opioid withdrawal can also be complicated by delirium and convulsions.
If you or a family member notice severe confusion, shaking, high fever, seizures, or seeing or hearing things that are not there, go to the emergency department at once. Jaipur Hospital runs a 24×7 emergency department with an intensive care unit for such crises.
Causes and who is at higher risk
- about 60 percent Comorbidity with psychiatric illness
- 211 per 1000 Hazardous drinking in industrial workers
Alcohol-related problems come from drinking too much, too fast, or too often. People may start drinking to cope with stressful events such as job loss, divorce or bereavement. Opioid use disorder begins when opioids activate brain reward circuits; with continued use the brain adapts and anti-reward circuits take over, driving craving and negative mood when the drug is absent.
Starting regular alcohol use in late childhood or early adolescence is linked to the highest rates of heavy drinking in adult life.
Risk factors include a family history of substance use disorders, mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, and high stress environments. In India, studies show high lifetime comorbidity of about 60 percent between substance dependence and other psychiatric illnesses. Hazardous drinking prevalence among industrial workers has been estimated at 211 per 1000.
Substance use disorders affect women across all socioeconomic groups. Stigma can make people feel isolated and delay seeking help, but alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, not a choice or character flaw.
How substance use disorders are diagnosed
- DSM-5 criteria
- Two or more of eleven symptoms in 12 months
- CIWA-A scale
- Monitors alcohol withdrawal severity
- Liver function tests
- Checks alcohol-related liver damage
Diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment using standard criteria. For alcohol use disorder, healthcare providers use the DSM-5 criteria: a person must have two or more of eleven symptoms within a 12-month period.
The condition is then classified as:
- Mild (two to three symptoms)
- Moderate (four to five symptoms)
- Severe (six or more symptoms)
Your doctor will ask about your drinking pattern, how it affects your life, and any withdrawal symptoms you have had.
For alcohol withdrawal severity, the CIWA-A scale is used to monitor symptoms and guide treatment. Liver function tests are useful for diagnosing alcohol-related liver damage and monitoring recovery. For opioid and other drug use, self-report combined with urine or blood testing can confirm recent use.
Screening for heavy alcohol use is recommended in primary care and can be done with simple validated tools. In pregnancy, screening for substance use should be part of the first prenatal visit. Jaipur Hospital's general medicine and psychiatry teams carry out these assessments during outpatient consultations that last 30 to 60 minutes.
Non-surgical treatment options for addiction
Treatment is tailored to the substance, severity and your personal situation. Most people with alcohol use disorder can benefit from some form of treatment, and many substantially reduce their drinking or stop entirely.
Medications for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. Naltrexone blocks brain receptors that produce pleasure from alcohol and reduces craving; it lowers the chance of returning to any drinking by about 5 percent and heavy drinking risk by about 10 percent in studies.
Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence by reducing negative symptoms after quitting; the most common side effect is transient diarrhoea in about 10 percent of patients. Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, including flushing, nausea, vomiting and headache. It is not recommended for routine use in primary care due to adverse effects and compliance difficulties.
Topiramate and ondansetron have shown promise in reducing drinking frequency and increasing abstinence in some studies. All medications for alcohol use disorder are non-addictive and can be used alone or with counselling.
For tobacco cessation, nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum or lozenges) helps manage withdrawal cravings. Varenicline, a nicotinic receptor partial agonist approved for smoking cessation, has also shown efficacy for alcohol outcomes in some trials.
Counselling approaches include:
- Motivational interviewing to enhance readiness to change
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy to identify triggers and teach coping skills
- Motivational enhancement therapy (about four sessions over a short period)
- Brief interventions (one to four sessions)
- Contingency management with tangible rewards
- Couples and family counselling
- 12-step facilitation
Mutual-support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous provide peer support that helps people sustain recovery.
For severe dependence, inpatient detoxification under medical supervision may be needed. This typically involves a hospital stay of 7 to 14 days to manage withdrawal safely with medications such as lorazepam or chlordiazepoxide for alcohol withdrawal. Detoxification alone is not sufficient treatment for opioid use disorder; ongoing medication and psychosocial support are required.
Jaipur Hospital provides outpatient consultations, pharmacotherapy, counselling and inpatient detoxification when indicated. Recovery is an ongoing process over 6 to 12 months with continued support; relapse does not mean recovery has failed. Surgery is not a treatment for substance use disorders.
Preparing for Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine treatment
Do
- List of current medicines
- Recent blood reports
- Discharge summaries
Your first visit is an assessment. The team will ask about your substance use, medical history, and any medicines you take. Bring a list of current medicines, recent blood reports, and any discharge summaries. If you are on opioid pain medicines, tell the doctor because naltrexone can cause severe withdrawal if opioids are still in your system.
People with liver disease need liver function tests before starting some medicines. If you have kidney problems or advanced cirrhosis, acamprosate may not be suitable. Disulfiram is not given if you have heart disease, psychosis, or have taken metronidazole recently. No fasting is needed for outpatient visits.
For inpatient detox, you will be asked to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before admission. An attendant can stay with you during the hospital stay.
How Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine treatment is done
- Register Check in at the hospital
- Meet counsellor or doctor Discuss your progress and concerns
- Review and adjust medicines Change doses or medicines if needed
- Plan next session Book your follow-up appointment
Treatment is tailored to the substance and severity. For tobacco, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) uses patches, gum, or lozenges to reduce withdrawal. For alcohol, your surgeon may prescribe naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram based on your health profile. Naltrexone blocks the brain receptors that make drinking feel rewarding and can reduce craving.
Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence by easing the negative symptoms that follow quitting. Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, which acts as a deterrent. Counselling uses Motivational Interviewing to build readiness for change. Sessions last 30 to 60 minutes. For severe dependence, inpatient detoxification lasts 7 to 14 days with medical supervision to manage withdrawal safely.
On the day of an outpatient visit, you register, meet the counsellor or doctor, review progress, adjust medicines if needed, and plan the next session. For inpatient admission, you are settled in a ward, baseline vitals and blood tests are taken, and a withdrawal monitoring schedule starts.
Risks and possible complications of Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine treatment
- Acamprosate
- Transient diarrhoea in about 10 percent
- Disulfiram
- Strong reaction if alcohol is taken: flushing, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, headache
Medicines have side effects.
Naltrexone commonly causes nausea in about 10 percent of patients, along with:
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Sedation
At higher doses it can affect the liver, so liver enzymes are checked monthly at first and then every three months. Acamprosate is usually well tolerated; the most common side effect is transient diarrhoea in about 10 percent of patients. Disulfiram can cause a strong reaction if any alcohol is taken, including flushing, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, and headache. It also carries a risk of more serious adverse effects and compliance difficulties.
Topiramate, when used, may cause:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Difficulty with concentration
- Memory problems
- Tingling
- Speech difficulties
Sudden stopping of heavy alcohol use without medical supervision can lead to delirium tremens, a life-threatening condition with seizures and hallucinations. Opioid withdrawal can also be complicated by delirium and convulsions. The team monitors for these risks during inpatient detox.
Recovery and aftercare for Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine treatment
Recovery is an ongoing process over 6 to 12 months. After inpatient detox, you continue with outpatient follow-ups. In the first days, you may feel tired, have sleep changes, or experience cravings. The team adjusts medicines and gives coping strategies. In the first weeks, counselling sessions help you identify triggers, manage stress, and build new routines.
Family members can join sessions to improve support and relationships. Brief interventions of one to four sessions may be used for early problems. If you relapse, return to treatment right away; a relapse does not mean you cannot recover.
Call the hospital if you have severe withdrawal symptoms, thoughts of harming yourself, signs of liver problems like yellow skin or dark urine, or if you cannot keep medicines down. The 24×7 emergency department is available for urgent needs.
Results of Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine treatment in studies
Studies show most people with alcohol use disorder can reduce drinking or stop entirely with treatment. Naltrexone reduces the chance of returning to any drinking by about 5 percent and heavy drinking risk by about 10 percent.
In short-term trials, fewer patients on naltrexone relapsed to dependence (38 percent versus 60 percent on placebo) and fewer returned to drinking (61 percent versus 69 percent). One relapse was prevented for every five patients treated with naltrexone. Acamprosate also reduces relapse rates and increases abstinence. Combined with counselling, these medicines improve outcomes.
Longer-term results are mixed; some trials show no difference between medicine and placebo at 6 to 12 months. Topiramate shows promise for increasing abstinent days and reducing heavy drinking. Mutual-support groups provide free, flexible help that can sustain recovery. For opioid use disorder, long-term agonist therapy with methadone has great efficacy and can save lives.
Detoxification alone lacks evidence for opioid use disorder. Recovery has a persisting risk of relapse, so ongoing support is key.
Cost and insurance for Tobacco Alcohol and Addiction Medicine treatment in Jaipur
A typical outpatient consultation costs ₹1,500 to ₹3,000. An inpatient detox programme usually ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000. The final amount depends on the length of stay, medicines needed, investigations, and whether complications arise. Jaipur Hospital accepts RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS, and a panel of private insurers and TPAs.
Check with your insurer or the hospital about coverage details and any pre-authorisation needed. The hospital has an in-house pharmacy and diagnostic laboratory for convenience.