Success rate of rehabilitating addicts poor, say city doctors

Stressing on the challenges involved, Dr PK Thomas, consultant pulmonologist in Fortis Malar Hospital, said, “Going cold turkey works barely five to 10 per cent of the time, while depending on therapies like nicotine replacement therapy works maximum of 20 per cent and pharmacotherapy 20 per cent of the time.” 

He added, “Every patient knows that smoking is not good but still go ahead with it. So, it is very difficult to counsel them against indulging in tobacco consumption.”

Despite government hospitals in the state having the medication and counsellors to rehabilitate addicts, doctors say that following up with those in need of rehabilitation is very challenging. 

“Even if smokers want to quit smoking, they will be tempted to return to it,” said Dr Murugan Natarajan, a Pulmonologist from the Institute for Thoracic Medicine. 

“Ensuring they quit is a long process. Currently, medication is available too. However, it is free of cost only in government institutions. It is otherwise very expensive and hence not available for everyone’s use,” he said. While the course of the treatment itself takes months together, follow up serves to be a challenge. “Unlike the case with tuberculosis, if the patient isn’t motivated enough, rehabilitation becomes difficult. 

The success rate is less also because of the lack of awareness,” Dr Natarajan Said. He added that at least 50 per cent of their out-patient strength are there for tobacco related diseases. 

Stating that families should also be involved in the counselling sessions, he added, “Convincing the patient alone is a great challenge. If, however, we can convince the family members, we may get a better result. Besides, the government should also focus more this issue.’’