Addiction

Drug Abuse Case Study: How Arjun Fought His Way Out of Drug Dependency

Written By

Jagruti Rehab

Last Updated on: 02 Jun 2025

Patient Information

Name: Arjun (name changed for privacy)

Age: 24

Gender: Male

Background: Arjun hails from a small town in Himachal Pradesh. His family ran a garment shop in the city. As the eldest son of the family, Arjun had always been the quiet, helpful, and responsible kind. He is also known as the intelligent one in the family, and thus, after completing his 12th with high marks, Arjun was sent off to Chandigarh to pursue engineering.

History or Cause

Arjun, after moving to Chandigarh, was excited about his city life. However, things did not turn out as he expected. The transition wasn't smooth; he struggled to make new friends and adjust to the fast-moving life. He started feeling isolated in the competitive and harsh environment. 

His hostel roommate one day offered him a pill and told him it helps everyone to stay awake and concentrate better during exam times. Everyone in the hostel has it, and the seniors are friends with people who have it. Arjun thought he had got everything with the pill. The pill worked like magic, and he found his way into city life. He thought he had cracked the code. The only thing he did not know was that he was getting addicted to the pill and seemed to need more of them over time for the same effect. 

The one single pill soon turned into many, and Arjun, with his newfound friends, made his way into stronger substances. From prescription drugs, he entered the world of MDMA and then Heroin. Slowly, the real effects of the drugs showed, and his academic performance fell apart. He missed his classes, slept through the day, and mingled with people outside the college. 

Arjun's family started noticing the changes in his behaviour. While initially they were happy, thinking he was busy with studies and focusing on becoming a good engineer, his actions caused them to get alarmed. Arjun rarely called home, and when he did, it would be for money. His demands for money kept increasing; he would not take no for an answer and would get irritated easily. He was also not interested in his family anymore and had become completely absent emotionally. 

Diagnosis

Worried, Arjun's younger brother came to Chandigarh to check on him. He found Arjun overdosed and sleeping in the corridor of the boys' hostel. Getting scared, his brother called home, and the elders arrived to take him to a doctor immediately. The doctor tested him and found drugs in his blood. He suggested rehab treatment for Arjun. He was then brought to Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre in Chandigarh. 

Symptoms Observed -

We observed the following symptoms in Arjun:

• Insomnia and extreme mood swings
• Disinterest in hygiene, food, or communication
• Constant restlessness and withdrawal signs
• Lying and manipulating to access money

Diagnosis -

After a complete assessment using several methods, we concluded that Arjun suffered from: 

• Severe Opioid Use Disorder
• Substance-Induced Anxiety and Depression
• Physical signs of drug-related liver strain and malnutrition

We explained to the family that Arjun's body and mind were both deeply affected, and both needed healing, which would require hospitalisation, also known as an inpatient rehab program.

Treatment

Approach

We planned Arjun's de-addiction treatment in four phases. Together, the four phases were a 16-week recovery program. The program consisted of medical detox, psychiatric therapy, behaviour correction, and emotional rebuilding.

We focused not just on cutting off access to drugs through detoxification but also on helping Arjun more holistically. We chose to make Arjun understand his addiction, develop inner strength, and regain control of his mind and body.

Rehabilitation Program

We at Jagruti Rehab mapped out a 16-week well-structured recovery program for de-addiction. The program, divided into four phases, focused on different aspects of healing from addiction. The phased approach ensured that Arjun recovered physically, emotionally, and socially.

Phase 1: Medical Detox & Stabilization (Week 1–2)

In week 1 and 2, we focused on detoxification. This is the process where the toxins accumulated in the body due to constant exposure to harmful substances are flushed out. Known as the most difficult part of the de-addiction programs, the phase comes with withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, panic, restlessness and insomnia. The reactions are extreme and often require prescription medicines to control, as the body is suddenly cut off from addictive substances. In the first two weeks, Arjun was given specialised meals to replenish the lost strength in his body. Also, he received counselling sessions and holistic care through yoga and meditation to improve his tolerance against the withdrawal symptoms.

Phase 2: Therapy & Behavioural Work (Week 3–6)

After the detoxification was complete and Arjun was physically stable, our focus shifted to healing his mind and improving his behaviour. One-to-one therapy sessions helped Arjun to open up and identify the real reasons that led to addiction. It was a major breakthrough in the treatment when Arjun realised he was not dependent on the substance but was using substances for other reasons. In his case, it was his need to be a part of the group. CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, helped Arjun find his patterns, and then he learned how to replace them effectively. He was encouraged to write a journal to record wins every day, which helped him to reconnect with himself and people.

Phase 3: Group Healing & Skill Building (Week 7–10)

Arjun had improved a lot by week 7 of his recovery program at Jagruti Rehab. It was time to step out of isolation and find his social skills again. We introduced him to peer group therapy sessions where other patients recovering from drug addiction shared their struggles, wins, and setbacks. These group sessions helped him find friends, and he lost confidence. We involved him in holistic wellness practices with other people, where he practised breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga. It helped him to learn how to stay present and manage stress even among people. During the same phase, we started training Arjun's life skills. Basic but important skills like how to say NO, time management, finance management, and communication became a part of his schedule. The training was essential to upgrade Arjun and prepare him for the real world so that he wouldn't succumb to the stress again.

Phase 4: Reintegration & Aftercare Planning (Week 11–16)

In the final and the longest phase of our rehab program, we shifted our focus toward preparing Arjun to live independently outside Jagruti Rehab. We implemented a plan of action for relapse prevention exclusively designed for Arjun. We trained him by creating possible scenarios that he may be facing and taught him how to deal with them. We made him aware of all the possible high-risk situations, taught him how to recognise them and, most importantly, avoid them effectively without causing an issue. We also created a balanced routine for Arjun to follow and helped him make the new lifestyle habitual. The routine included time for health, learning, work, and social connection to make it effective for long-term use. Towards the end of the program, Arjun sat down with his therapist to set realistic goals for the next six months. The goals included returning to college, reconnecting and making new friends, and, most importantly, continuing scheduled therapy after release. 

Medical Support

Arjun was given medical support from time to time during his rehab stay. The medicines were administered carefully under supervision to manage his extreme symptoms without causing dependency on them. Prescription medicines were used to manage his withdrawal symptoms and cravings for substances. These became essential during the detoxification period. He was also constantly monitored for co-occurring mental health disorders and medicated when signs of anxiety and depression showed up. Additionally, nutritional supplements were given to him to fulfil his body's nutritional requirements, which were lacking due to the overuse of drugs and neglect.

Therapy

We used several types of therapy for Arjun's treatment. The therapy sessions addressed both emotional and behavioural aspects of drug addiction:

• Individual Counseling - To identify and address personal struggles.
• Group Therapy - It helped Arjun to open up and heal through peer support and discussions.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - CBT helped him to identify and replace negative thought patterns with positive ones.
• Trauma-Informed Sessions - It focused on healing the trauma caused in his childhood, college, and all unresolved emotional wounds.
• Mindfulness Practices - Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga for stress management.
• Daily Journaling & Affirmations - It is used for self-reflection, discipline, and emotional awareness.

Recovery Journey: Progress Timeline

Our Success

Impact on Patient's Life - Arjun Today

Today, Arjun is 18 months clean and recovering actively.

He went back to complete his engineering degree and began freelancing as a web developer. But more importantly, he started opening up to his family. He also started volunteering activities. He is giving talks at local schools about mental health, the importance of learning skills and substance abuse.

His journey in his own words- "It's not about avoiding drugs," he says. "It's about finding a reason to live that's stronger than your need to escape, and Jagruti helped me find that."

Family and Social Impact

• Arjun's family learned how to support their children and prepare them for life.
• His parents began attending parent support groups.
• His younger brother, inspired by Arjun's courage, began volunteering at mental health camps.
• A local youth awareness program invited Arjun to be a speaker.

Future Steps - What's Next for Arjun?

Arjun continues therapy twice a month and peer sessions once a week. He maintains a "gratitude diary" and strictly follows the routine and lifestyle suggested by Jagruti Rehab. He reaches out to his therapist when things become tough. Also, he is actively involved in several activities to ensure that he is setting an example and that he doesn't have free time to go wandering ways.

Conclusion: A Message to Anyone Reading This

Addiction does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone: topper or dropout, rich or poor, introvert or extrovert.

But this drug abuse case study shows that, like Arjun, recovery is possible. What matters is reaching out and seeking help from the right people.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don't delay. Help exists. Healing is real.

The journey is hard, yes, but it's worth it. One step, one day, one decision at a time. Reach out to Jagruti Rehab, and let us lend you the support you need to begin your transformation story like Arjun or even better.

Author

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.