Kochi: A growing number of young adults in Ernakulam are turning to telephone counselling as a confidential method to overcome drug addiction, according to recent data from the excise department. The department operates Vimukthi counselling and de-addiction centres in the district, which reported a total of 2,096 beneficiaries in 2025, a sharp increase from 700 in 2024.
Telephone Counselling Gains Popularity
As many as 416 individuals have preferred telephone counselling this year so far. A senior excise official stated, "Nearly 11,000 people utilized telephone counselling between 2018 and early 2026." Over 1,800 individuals aged 21 and under availed the facility from the Vimukthi counselling centre at Kacheripady during the same period.
Root Causes of Addiction
For most young adults, drug use begins with curiosity or peer pressure. Counsellors note that many youths harbour misconceptions about the effects of drugs, viewing them as a harmless escape from modern life pressures. Interestingly, emotional volatility plays a significant role. Relationship breakdowns have emerged as a primary trigger, leading many to seek solace in substances, the official added.
Warning Signs for Parents and Peers
The Vimukthi Mission emphasizes that parents and peers should be vigilant regarding specific behavioural and physical shifts. Behavioural changes include sudden irritability, loss of interest in academics, and withdrawal from long-term hobbies. Physical symptoms include drastic changes in sleep patterns, bloodshot eyes, unexplained weight loss, and a decline in personal hygiene. The sudden emergence of suspicious new social circles and a preference for isolation are also symptoms, the official said.
Treatment Pathways
While the Kacheripady centre handles initial counselling and behavioural therapy, more severe cases are moved to specialized de-addiction centres, such as the one in Muvattupuzha. The statistics suggest a fall in the stigma surrounding counselling. Through a dedicated toll-free helpline (14405), the Vimukthi Mission ensures that the road to recovery is just a phone call away.
