The Muktangan De-addiction Centre at Mohanwadi has started an exclusive de-addiction centre for women to help them kick the habit.

The new centre, named Nishigandh, is on Muktangan's premises at Yerawada and is a 15 bedded centre.

Deputy director of Muktangan De-addiction Centre Mukta Puntambekar told newspersons that drug abuse and substance users among women are on rise since the last couple of years.

"Currently four patients have been enrolled for the five week course and admissions are on at this rehabilitation centre," she said, adding that five more beds will be added soon. The five-week course will comprise 35 topics to help the women come to terms with their problems.

"Women seem to get addicted to drugs or alcohol easily as compared to men, which they find it difficult to give up later," she said. She explained that around 20% of the young women start drug abuse out of enjoyment while the remaining 80% are victims of depression, loneliness and stress.

"We noticed that a couple of years back, women hardly turned up for rehabilitation but now we have started seeing more female addicts," she said, explaining the reason for starting a rehabilitation centre exclusively for women.

"We see around two to three female patients per week at the outdoor patient department (OPD)," she said.

Pointing out that there are many who fear seeking psychological help or rehabilitation due to social stigma and continue to ruin their life and health, Puntambekar said the new centre will help such female addicts who fear coming out of the closet.

Mukta said that compared to men, women seem to get addicted faster to substances like drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gutkha etc. "In the beginning they shy away from consuming in public which later results in addiction. Many consume such things when they are alone and in places like bedroom, bathroom etc, this happens out of depression, loneliness or just for enjoyment."

She said there has been an increase in women with addiction to tranquillizers, sleeping pills, amphetamines and diet pills.

"Due to societal pressures, even though these women are willing to undergo treatment, many of them shy away," she said, explaining as to why the rehabilitation centre has appointed only female staff.

Also with the changing trends, society is accepting females involved in smoking or consuming alcohol. Women start this for enjoyment and later get addicted.

"Rehabilitation and counselling plays a vital role in helping such females. Also there was a time people thought only high income group get addicted but there are many women belonging to low income group who come to seek rehabilitation and help," said Mukta. (DNA Correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication)