New Delhi/Panaji, February 8 A de-addiction and mental health program at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Goa is combining Ayurveda, psychiatry, yoga, diet, and rehabilitative therapies to help those struggling with alcohol and tobacco dependence, as well as mental health issues.
The program, which has been operational for the past three years at the institute's Dhargalim campus in North Goa, functions through a dedicated Manasaroga and De-addiction Outpatient Department, providing specialized services for those suffering from alcohol and tobacco dependence, along with mental health conditions, said Institute Director Dr P K Prajapati.
In 2025, the OPD recorded 109 outpatient cases of alcohol dependence and 44 cases related to nicotine and tobacco addiction.
Patients receive comprehensive care, including management through panchakarma, liver-focused interventions, yoga, de-addiction counseling, family counseling, and structured follow-up.
"A key strength of this program lies in its integrative approach, where classical Ayurvedic principles are applied alongside clinical assessment tools, therapeutic yoga, pathyaahar (wholesome diet), and counseling to address both substance dependence and associated mental health issues," said Dr Sujata Kadam, Dean, AIIA, Goa.
A distinctive feature of the center is the availability of an in-house psychiatrist working in close coordination with 'Kayachikitsa' specialists, enabling early identification and management of withdrawal-related psychological symptoms, cravings, and relapse risk, Dr Kadam stated.
The de-addiction program incorporates a range of panchakarma therapies, tailored to the patient's clinical stage and symptom severity, she stated.
These are supported by the use of specific Ayurvedic formulations aimed at reducing cravings, stabilizing withdrawal symptoms, and restoring metabolic balance.
Citing the case of a 28-year-old man who came to the institute with a decade-long history of alcohol use, Dr Ashwin Chandra, Head of the Department of Kayachikitsa at AIIA Goa, said the patient could overcome his withdrawal symptoms after a 17-day integrative treatment protocol combining Ayurvedic medicines, panchakarma procedures, yoga-based breathing practices, healthy diet, and counseling.
"The case highlights how stage-wise Ayurvedic management, guided by objective clinical assessment tools and supported by multidisciplinary care, can play a meaningful role in managing alcohol withdrawal safely and effectively," Dr Chandra said.
Beyond de-addiction, the Manasaroga OPD also caters to patients with stress-related disorders, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, recognizing the close link between mental health vulnerability and substance dependence, Dr Kadam said.
Dr Prajapati said the institute is working towards strengthening standardized treatment protocols and clinical documentation to support wider adoption of integrative de-addiction models.
"Our vision is to build evidence-informed, patient-centered care pathways that can be integrated into the public health system and adapted to regional needs," Dr Prajapati said.