De-Addiction Treatment: What a Recovery Plan Involves
Recovery from alcohol, drug, or substance dependence works best through a structured combination of medical detox (where needed), counselling, and relapse-prevention support — not any single intervention alone. Our team, led by Dr. Pavan Sonar — MBBS, DPM, DNB Psychiatry, guides patients and families across Mumbai and Maharashtra through this process, with 22+ years of experience and 50,000+ patients treated.
The Stages of De-Addiction Treatment
1. Medical Detoxification (When Needed)
For alcohol and certain substances, withdrawal can be medically risky without supervision. Medical detox manages withdrawal symptoms safely, sometimes requiring brief hospitalisation, before the deeper work of recovery begins. Not everyone requires formal detox — this is assessed individually.
2. Counselling & Behavioural Therapy
Motivational interviewing and CBT-based relapse-prevention therapy address the underlying triggers, thought patterns, and coping deficits that drive substance use. This is where most of the durable change happens, and typically continues well beyond the physical withdrawal period.
3. Medication-Assisted Treatment (Where Appropriate)
For certain substance dependencies, medications can reduce cravings or block the rewarding effects of use, supporting the behavioural work. This is used selectively based on the substance and individual clinical picture, not as a universal approach.
4. Relapse Prevention & Family Involvement
Long-term recovery is significantly more successful with structured relapse-prevention planning and family involvement — identifying triggers, building support systems, and having a clear plan if a lapse occurs, since recovery is rarely a purely linear process.
Recognising a Substance Use Problem
Increasing tolerance, inability to cut down despite wanting to, withdrawal symptoms, substance use interfering with work or relationships, and continued use despite awareness of harm.
Access Across Maharashtra
In-person evaluation and care at our Mumbai clinic locations (Borivali West, Malad West, Malad East, Andheri West), with online follow-up and counselling available across Maharashtra for patients in ongoing recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be hospitalised for de-addiction treatment?
Not always. Some substances and situations require brief medically supervised detox, but a large part of treatment — counselling and relapse prevention — happens on an outpatient basis.
How long does recovery typically take?
Initial detox may take days to weeks depending on the substance. Sustained recovery is an ongoing process, typically involving structured counselling for months, with relapse-prevention support continuing longer-term.
What if a relapse happens during treatment?
Relapse is common in recovery and is addressed as part of the treatment plan, not treated as failure. Having a plan in place beforehand for how to respond significantly improves long-term outcomes.
Can counselling and follow-up be done online?
Yes, for patients in stable ongoing recovery, online counselling and check-ins support continued progress for those across Maharashtra who cannot regularly travel to Mumbai.
Book a Confidential Consultation
A structured, medically supervised path to recovery — for the patient and support for the family.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 85918 40141
📧 Email: drpavansonar@gmail.com
Clinic Locations: Borivali West | Malad West | Andheri West | Malad East — and online follow-up across Maharashtra