Date:15/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/15/stories/2006071522180300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Treat drug addiction as disease, says social activist

Staff Reporter

WHO figures indicate rise in female addicts

Hyderabad: Drug and alcohol addiction should be viewed as a disease which can be cured, according to World Health Organisation figures. Alarmingly, more number of female alcohol addicts are seeking treatment.

Rahul Luther, executive trustee, Hope Trust, thinks these addictions are a widespread problem but says that treatment is available. He was speaking on the occasion of a collaboration agreement between Hope Trust and Renascent, Canada-based de-addiction centre, here on Thursday.

Aruna Aysola, representative from Renascent, observed that since women come from different psychological backgrounds, they needed to be treated differently.

"Only an alcoholic can understand an alcoholic," summed up Mr. Luther.