InnerWhispers
Hard to Cut Down
Using more, or for longer, than you meant to, and failing when you try to stop.
Men's health · Addiction
Addiction Support for Men
Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling or gaming can start as a way to relax or cope, then become hard to control. Recovery is possible, and you can start with one confidential conversation.
Asking for help is where recovery starts.
100% confidential
Online and offline sessions
Qualified professionals
Across India
Understanding addiction
When a Habit Starts Taking Control
Many men use alcohol or other things to unwind, fit in or cope with stress. It becomes a problem when you need more to get the same effect, struggle to cut down, or keep going even though it's causing harm.
Addiction is a health condition, not a lack of willpower. It changes how the brain responds to reward and stress, which is why simply deciding to stop is often not enough.
It's common
Alcohol and tobacco use are widespread among men in India.
No judgment
You can talk honestly about what you use and how much.
Recovery is possible
With the right support, people do change, often step by step.
Signs and symptoms
What Addiction Can Look Like
You don't need a diagnosis to ask for help. If any of these feel familiar, we're here.
Always on Your Mind
Strong urges, and planning your day around when you can drink, use or play next.
Tolerance and Withdrawal
Needing more for the same effect, and feeling shaky, sweaty or unwell without it.
Hiding It
Hiding how much you use, lying about money, or getting defensive when it's mentioned.
Things Slipping
Missing work, money problems, arguments at home or dropping things you used to enjoy.
Using to Cope
Relying on it to sleep, relax, face people or deal with stress and low mood.
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.
What we support
Substances and Habits We Can Help With
Whatever it is, the patterns underneath are often similar, and so are the steps to recovery.
Alcohol
From regular heavy drinking to binge drinking or drinking to cope with stress or sleep.
Tobacco and nicotine
Cigarettes, beedis, gutka, khaini and vaping.
Cannabis and other drugs
Ganja, bhang, prescription painkillers or sleeping pills, and other drugs.
Behaviours
Gambling, online betting, gaming or pornography that you can't control.
The addiction cycle
Why It's So Hard to Stop
Addiction keeps itself going through a loop of stress, relief and regret. Treatment helps you break it at several points.
1
Stress or a trigger
A hard day, an argument, boredom, friends or a particular place or time.
2
Cravings
A strong urge to use, which gets harder to ignore the longer it builds.
3
Using
You drink, use or play, and you get some relief, for a while.
4
Guilt and consequences
Regret, worry, health problems, money trouble or arguments follow.
5
More stress
Those consequences add to the stress, making the next craving stronger.
Stopping safely
Please Don't Stop Suddenly Without Advice
If you've been drinking heavily or using certain drugs, such as sleeping pills or opioids, every day, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Withdrawal can cause serious symptoms that need medical care.
Our psychiatrists can assess you, explain what's safe and guide you through cutting down or stopping, including medicines that ease withdrawal and reduce cravings where appropriate. Read more about addiction
Withdrawal can cause
- Shaking, sweating and a racing heart
- Anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- Seeing or hearing things that aren't there
- Seizures (fits) in severe alcohol withdrawal
Important
Seizures, confusion, hallucinations or a very high fever during withdrawal are a medical emergency: call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. You can also call the national drug de-addiction helpline at 14446 or Tele-MANAS at 14416 (both free).
How we help
Support for Every Stage of Recovery
Whether you want to cut down or stop completely, we start where you are. Medication is only suggested if it's clinically appropriate, and always discussed with you first.
Consultation
A psychiatric assessment to understand your use, check your health and plan safe withdrawal or medication if needed.
Learn more →Therapy
Approaches such as motivational interviewing and CBT help you manage cravings, triggers and relapse.
Learn more →Counselling
Talk through the stress, relationships or low mood that may be driving your use.
Learn more →Peer Support
Talk to a trained peer supporter who understands, by phone or video, between sessions.
Learn more →Day to day
Small Steps You Can Take
These can help alongside professional care. They support it, but aren't a substitute for it.
Explore Tann aur Mann1
Keep track honestly
Write down when, how much and why you use for a week. Patterns often become clear.
2
Know your triggers
Notice the people, places, times and feelings that make cravings stronger.
3
Ride out the urge
Cravings usually peak and pass within 20 to 30 minutes. Walk, call someone or change what you're doing.
4
Tell one person you trust
Having someone on your side makes a big difference.
5
Be kind to yourself after a slip
A slip is part of many people's recovery. Learn from it and carry on.
1
Book a consultation
Choose a psychiatrist or psychologist, online or in person. It only takes a few steps.
2
Meet your professional
Talk openly in a private session, with no pressure to have the right words.
3
Make a plan together
Decide on your goals, whether cutting down or stopping, and how to do it safely.
4
Stay on track
Regular follow-ups help you handle cravings, setbacks and changes in your life.
Online assessment
Want to know where you stand?
Take the AUDIT-C, a short, well-researched alcohol screen from the World Health Organization's AUDIT. You get your score, what it means and a report you can share with a professional.
₹15 · one attempt · 3 questions, under a minute · result and report straight away
A self-check is a screen, not a diagnosis.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
If you've tried to cut down and couldn't, if you need more for the same effect, or if it's causing problems with your health, work, money or relationships, it's worth talking to someone. You don't need to hit rock bottom first.
Not necessarily to start with. Some people aim to cut down, others to stop. Your professional will help you choose a safe, realistic goal. For some substances and situations, stopping completely is safest.
If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures. Please speak to a doctor before you stop, so it can be done safely.
No. Your treatment is confidential and we don't contact your family or employer without your consent, except in the rare situations described in our Privacy Policy, such as a serious risk to someone's safety.
Yes. Addiction affects the whole family. With your consent, family members can be involved in sessions, or they can book support for themselves.
No. In an emergency, call 112. For free help, call the national drug de-addiction helpline at 14446 or 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.