Substance Use Disorder occurs when a person is addicted to harmful substances like drugs or alcohol which leads to health issues or problems at work, school or home.

Although our country has healthy provisions for this disorder, we have a long way to go to reach the desired quality of healthcare. The use of various 'psychoactive substances' has increased over the years which include alcohol, cannabis and opioid. Nationally, about 14.6% of the population (between 10 and 75 years of age) uses alcohol as per reports of MoSJ and EG.

It is important to note that the prevalence of substance abuse will only increase when the transport of such goods is on the rise. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai have been the centre of such circles who have networks with the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent. Out of the total 77 lakh people who consume opioid, more than half of the people are consumed by just a few states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Maharashtra.

Acamprosate Vs Magnesium rich foods

Our diet has an extremely crucial role to play in our well being. People tend to get more stressed and anxious these days, resulting in many other health issues. We also must include natural anti-depressants in our diet like foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Magnesium deficiency is common among alcoholics. This causes over-excitement and aggravates the hepatic damage caused by alcohol. This is because ethanol or alcohol, acts as a Magnesium diuretic. This means that alcohol concentration in the body leads to Magnesium being flushed out of the body with the help of kidneys.

Pumpkin seeds along with cashew milk can be consumed everyday. These are good sources of magnesium which helps in production of neurotransmitter chemicals like neuronal nitric oxide. This compound helps in keeping neurons healthy.

Substance use disorder has wide reaching as well as ranging harmful impacts on us and the people close to us. This disorder negatively affects the emotional and behavioral patterns in a person.

Alcohol and GABA

GABA is basically a neurotransmitter which is inhibitory in nature. It is present in most of the parts of the brain. Their receptors are also in brain; therefore, binding to them can have various effects on our body because brain is the controlling centre of our body. The activation of GABA leads to feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Now the question arises as to how alcohol has a role to play in this system which is detrimental for us. Alcohol tries to mimic the function of GABA by binding to it in the brain. That is why, consumption of alcohol causes feelings of relaxation.

Drinking too much of alcohol can overstimulate these pathways for GABA, causing extreme sedation-like feelings and relaxation which harms our central nervous system.

Continued exposure to alcohol over time can desensitize the GABA receptors. This desensitization may cause people to feel increased stress or anxiety, which may make them want to drink more frequently. Tolerance to alcohol is built over time and can lead to dependence or addiction. Desensitized GABA receptors due to alcohol use may also explain why people experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms like anxiety when they attempt to stop drinking.

About Us

We are a group of 6 people form AISG-46 Gurugram who are working to find various scientific solutions for people affected by Substance Use Disorder. We together collaborate to innovate, ideate and create new ways to help people easily come out from the problems of substance abuse.

Keshav Bajaj

Member

Dishita Pokharna

Member

Deepannita Mukherjee

Member

Himansh Sharma

Member

Bhumi Shivrain

Leader

Shreya Rath

Member

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