Moodubidire: The 5th Annual Celebration and Family Gathering of Alva’s Punarjanma De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, along with the inauguration of 'Manosamruddhi' Alva’s Psychology Association , was held at the Shobhavana Campus in Mijar.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Dr Caroline D’Souza, renowned psychiatrist, stressed on the challenges of overcoming addiction.
Recovery from addiction is difficult but possible with treatment and family support. She emphasized that addiction affects not just the individual but the whole family.
She further stated that "Many believe that consuming alcohol occasionally is harmless, but addiction develops impulsively, often influenced by friends and surroundings." She further pointed out that society tends to define a person by their addiction, ignoring their good qualities. Even after recovery, former addicts continue to carry the weight of judgment, making their return to normal life challenging.
Ganesh Acharya, Public Awareness Project Officers Coastal Regional Office, Udupi, said "Friendship and social circles have a strong influence on our habits. One of the key ways to prevent addiction is by avoiding the company of those who drink. If we continue to spend time with people who engage in such behaviour, we may also get drawn into it. Instead, we should surround ourselves with positive influences that support a healthy, addiction-free life."
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour individuals who had battled addiction successfully achieved complete de-addiction over the years.
Awareness drama performed by social work students of Alva's College under the direction of Sudheendra Shanthi was performed.
Preethi Shettigar, Lecturer, Swastika National Business School, Mangalore, Dr Vinay Alva, director of Alva's Punarjanma, Dr Kurian, Prinicpal, Alva's College (Autonomous), Moodubidire, Dr Anirudh Shetty, Psychiatrist, Alva's Punarjanma were present among others.