One Drink to Sleep

Vikram Chauhan, fifty-one, was a successful transport contractor in Jaipur. After a business loss, he began to have 'one drink' at night to switch off. Within a year it was three or four. He told himself he only drank after work, so he was not an addict. But he started drinking earlier on weekends, felt shaky and anxious in the morning, and hid bottles. His sleep was poor and his temper shorter.

His wife Meenakshi found a bottle in the garage and confronted him; he shouted that she was exaggerating. His son, nineteen, began avoiding him. After he missed an important meeting because of a hangover, Vikram was ashamed. When he tried to stop for a week, he felt sweaty, trembling and could not sleep, and he poured a drink to feel better.

Meenakshi consulted the family doctor on her own first. The doctor advised that Vikram should not stop suddenly without medical supervision, as sudden stopping after heavy drinking can be dangerous. She invited him to come in for a 'general check-up'. Vikram came. The doctor spoke respectfully, explained how dependence develops, and arranged supervised treatment, then counselling and a support group.

Recovery had slips, but Vikram learned his triggers: stress and evenings alone. His family learned to support rather than police. A year later he said, 'The hardest thing was admitting it. The second hardest was to keep asking for help.'

How to recognise it

Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, sleep or emotions, and needing more over time.
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down, and drinking or using earlier or more than planned.
Withdrawal signs such as shaking, sweating, anxiety or trouble sleeping when stopping.
Neglecting work, family and responsibilities, hiding use, or lying about it.
Continued use despite harm to health, money or relationships.

What this story explains

The chapter's section on substance use disorders explains how use can slide into dependence and affect health, mood and family life. The story shows that recovery is possible with medical supervision, therapy and family support.

Probable root causes

Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, loss, anxiety or poor sleep.
Biological vulnerability and family history of addiction.
Easy availability and social habits that normalise heavy use.
Untreated depression, anxiety or trauma underneath the use.

What to do

Admit the pattern honestly to yourself or a trusted person.
See a doctor before stopping heavy use, because sudden stopping can be dangerous.
Join a supervised treatment plan with counselling and relapse prevention.
Identify triggers, such as stress or boredom, and plan healthy alternatives.
Family members can seek their own support and learn how to help without enabling.

Whom to consult

Family doctor first, to assess health and arrange safe withdrawal if needed.
Psychiatrist or de-addiction specialist for treatment and any underlying depression or anxiety.
Counsellor or clinical psychologist for therapy and relapse prevention.
Emergency services or nearest hospital if there are seizures, severe confusion, shaking, or thoughts of self-harm.

Do and don’t

Do	Don’t
Do seek medical advice before quitting heavy use.	Don't stop suddenly after heavy use without a doctor.
Do build a supportive routine and company.	Don't shame, lecture or threaten.
Do treat slips as lessons, not failures.	Don't cover up or make excuses for the person.
Do keep alcohol out of the house if you can.	Don't leave alcohol around as a test.
Do care for your own health too.	Don't give up after a relapse.

How to behave and communicate

Choose a calm time, not when they are drunk: 'I am worried about you, and I love you.'
Use specific, non-blaming statements: 'I saw how shaky you were this morning.'
Listen to their shame and stress without arguing.
Avoid labels like 'drunkard' or 'addict'.
Offer: 'I will come with you to the doctor.'