InnerWhispers
Strong Cravings
Thinking about it often, and feeling a strong urge that's hard to ignore.
Conditions · Addiction
Addiction Treatment and Support in India
When alcohol, substances, gaming or betting start to feel out of your control, you don't have to face it alone. Get confidential, judgement-free support, online or in person.
Recovery starts with one honest conversation.
100% confidential
Judgement-free
Psychiatrists and therapists
Family support
Understanding addiction
When a Habit Takes Control
Addiction is when using a substance or doing an activity becomes hard to control, even when it's causing harm. It changes how the brain responds to reward and stress, which is why willpower alone often isn't enough.
It can affect anyone
Students, professionals, parents and older adults, from every background.
It's not a moral failing
It's a health condition, and it deserves care, not shame.
Recovery is possible
With the right support, many people cut down, stop and rebuild their lives.
Signs and symptoms
What Addiction Can Look Like
You don't need a diagnosis to ask for help. If any of these feel familiar, for you or someone close to you, we're here.
Losing Control
Using more, or for longer, than you meant to, and struggling to cut down.
Needing More
Needing more of it over time to get the same effect.
Withdrawal
Feeling shaky, sweaty, restless, anxious or low when you go without it.
Life Falling Behind
Missing work or classes, money worries, or strain in relationships.
Hiding It
Keeping it secret, or carrying on even though you know it's causing harm.
These signs aren't a diagnosis. If you're thinking of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or Tele-MANAS (free, 24/7) at 14416 right away.
Safety first
Stopping Safely
Wanting to stop is a big step. For some substances, the safest way to stop is with medical support, because the body has come to depend on them.
Talk to a doctor before stopping if you
- Drink heavily every day, or need a drink in the morning to feel steady
- Regularly take sleeping pills, anxiety medicines or painkillers beyond what was prescribed
- Use opioids, such as heroin or strong painkillers
- Have had shaking, confusion, hallucinations or seizures when you stopped before
In an emergency
If someone is unresponsive, having a seizure, very confused, or breathing very slowly, call 112 right away and stay with them.
Different forms
Addiction Looks Different for Everyone
Not sure if what you're dealing with counts? You don't have to work it out alone. We'll help you understand it.
Alcohol
Drinking more or more often than you intend, or relying on it to relax, sleep or cope.
Tobacco and nicotine
Cigarettes, beedis, gutka, khaini or vapes, and finding it hard to quit.
Drugs and medicines
Cannabis, opioids and other drugs, or prescription medicines used in ways they weren't prescribed.
Behavioural addictions
Gaming, online betting and gambling, or phone and social media use that feels out of control.
How we help
Support for Addiction, Your Way
Your goals are set with you. Medication is only suggested if it's clinically appropriate, and always discussed with you first.
Consultation
A psychiatric assessment, advice on stopping safely, and medication to ease withdrawal or cravings if appropriate. If you need hospital-based care, we'll guide you.
Meet our psychiatrists →Therapy
Approaches such as motivational interviewing and CBT to understand your triggers, manage cravings and prevent relapse.
Learn more →Family counselling
Support for partners, parents and children to understand addiction, set boundaries and heal together.
Learn more →Tann aur Mann
Mindfulness and grounding tools to ride out cravings and manage stress between sessions.
Learn more →Day to day
Small Steps You Can Take
Practical habits can support you alongside professional care. They're not a substitute for it.
Explore Tann aur Mann1
Keep an honest record
Note when, how much and why for a week or two. Patterns often become clearer.
2
Know your triggers
Certain people, places, times or feelings can set off an urge. Plan ahead for them.
3
Ride out the craving
Cravings rise and fall like a wave. Delay, distract yourself or step outside until it passes.
4
Tell someone you trust
Having one person on your side makes change easier to keep going.
1
Book a consultation
Choose a psychiatrist or psychologist, online or in person. If you use alcohol or substances daily, start with a psychiatrist.
2
Meet your professional
Talk honestly in a private, judgement-free session. Nothing you share will shock us.
3
Build a plan that fits your life
Medical care, therapy, family support and self-care tools.
4
Stay on track
Regular follow-ups, and support to get back on track after a setback.
Online assessment
Want to know where you stand?
Take the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), a short, well-researched questionnaire. You get your score, what it means and a report you can share with a professional.
₹39 · one attempt · about 2 minutes · result and report straight away
A self-check is a screen, not a diagnosis.
FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
A habit is something you can usually cut back on when you decide to. It may be an addiction if you've tried to stop or cut down and couldn't, if you need more to get the same effect, or if you keep going even though it's harming your health, work, money or relationships.
Not always. If you drink heavily every day, or regularly use sleeping pills or similar medicines, stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures. Talk to a doctor first so you can stop safely, with medical support if needed.
Your goals are discussed with you. For some people, cutting down is a good first step. For others, stopping completely is the safest option. Your professional will help you decide what fits your health and situation.
Your sessions are confidential. We only share information with your consent, except in rare situations where someone's safety is at serious risk.
Relapse is common and doesn't mean you've failed. It's a chance to learn what triggered it and adjust your plan. You can come back to support at any time.
You can't force someone to change, but you can get support for yourself. Counselling can help you look after your own wellbeing, set boundaries and find the right moment to talk to them.
No. If someone is unresponsive, having a seizure or struggling to breathe, call 112 right away. In a mental health crisis, call Tele-MANAS at 14416.
Get in touch
Take the First Step Today
Book a consultation and we'll help you choose the right support.
InnerWhispers isn't an emergency service. In a crisis, call your local emergency number or Tele-MANAS at 14416.