4.3 Interview

What are the common misunderstandings about addiction? 1.Addicts are bad, misbehaved, lazy or useless people 2.Addicts should not be treated unless they are violent or fall in gutters and create problems in social setting 3.People who do not abuse/drink continuously, that is throughout the day, don’t have a problem”

What does a rehabilitation center do? “A rehabilitation center helps addicts in the recovery process. The centers usually have an outlined residential program. Use of discipline, creative & constructive routines and psychological treatment methods are the salient features of the centers. The addicts are helped to analyze themselves, confront defensive behavior and learn coping patterns. The duration of the patient’s stay may vary from 34 days to 6 months.

What are the interpersonal problems caused by addiction? “The most common problems faced by an addict are related to love: •Rarely receives loving and confiding behavior from the parents & siblings •Diminishing love, respect and trust of the spouse •Hatred, fear, anxiety and distress expressed by the children”

What is addictive thinking? We at Muktangan believe that it is largely the patients’ self-defeating thoughts and resulting feelings and actions that sabotage their lives. Many of our recovering patients share that it is their “thinking” rather than “using” that leads towards or away from the “first drink”.

What is the role of family members? Role of family members/caregivers in helping the addict is very crucial. •They need to accept that the addict is ill, and should accompany him for treatment like any other patient •They need to play a remedial role as prescribed by the counsellor •Changing their thinking, feeling and behavior patterns is necessary •It is important to play a vigilant role in case the patient slips back to addiction •The family should try and lead a normal life within the circumstances

Q: Do you think the design of a space could facilitate a non-hierarchical relationship? Like being in the same chairs or on the same level physically? “Could be. I sometimes will sit on the floor in order to be lower than the patient, so I'm less threatening, or at least that's my intent - to be smaller, lower down.

Q: What resources besides therapy and physical therapy do you suggest for patients? (include all resources applicable, even if they are case-specific, I am looking for ways to expand my project program beyond the resources I already know of). And what are the best pairings of resources? (i.e. therapy + PT) "Interoception. That's an important skill that patients can re-develop in therapy or in trainings or in hobbies before, during, or after therapy. Anything that includes movement“

Q: What kind of space do you need to carry out a successful session? “a quiet and calm space will do, also maybe looking over a river or nature if have the luxury. (laughs)“

Q: Is there any hierarchy between patients and therapist? “that is the last thing they need. Even though we follow a disciplined routine, there is no hierarchy. We call each other on first name basis and even Bhai sometimes and sit with the same level and even have sessions on the floor to stay grounded"

NON MEDICAL STAFF:

Security (2) Cleaning staff (2) Cooking staff (3) Receptionist (1) Medical Director (1) Accountant (1) Yoga trainer (2) Occupational therapist (1) In-house manager (1)

figure 4.3 (a) schedule followed by in-patients

MEDICAL STAFF:

Visiting doctor (1) Psychiatrist Physician doctor (1) Counsellors (15) Nurse (15)

figure 4.3 (b) drug treatment and care process