Sudhakar (Name changed), a 48-year-old entrepreneur from Chennai (place changed), had spent his life building a successful logistics empire. His business acumen and hard work earned him respect among his peers and community. However, behind the polished image was a growing dependency on alcohol that was eroding his health, relationships, and productivity. This is a detailed exploration of his addiction, the emotional conflicts he faced, and his journey toward recovery at Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre.
Sudhakar often rationalized his drinking by portraying himself as a selfless provider. “I’m doing this for you all—don’t I deserve a little break?” he would say when his wife, Priya (name changed), expressed concern about his drinking habits. For Sudhakar, alcohol was a stress reliever after grueling days managing clients, employees, and financial pressures.
During counseling, Sudhakar began to see how this mindset blurred the lines between self-care and self-destruction. His therapist encouraged him to reflect on the emotional toll his drinking was taking on Priya and their teenage son. Gradually, he realized that being present and healthy for his family was more valuable than any short-term relief alcohol could offer.
Sudhakar’s grueling work schedule left little room for hobbies or relaxation. Alcohol became his only indulgence, something he considered harmless and well-earned. “It’s the one thing that’s just for me,” he often claimed.
Through therapy, Sudhakar identified alternative ways to unwind. He rediscovered his passion for gardening and began taking short evening walks with Priya. These small changes helped him see that relaxation didn’t have to come at the cost of his health.
Sudhakar was quick to dismiss any suggestion that his drinking was harming his health. “I feel fine. Stop imagining problems,” he would tell his family, even as he complained of headaches and struggled with insomnia.
The routine investigations at Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre revealed early signs of liver damage and elevated blood pressure. Seeing these results shook Sudhakar, confronting him with the undeniable physical consequences of his alcohol addiction. This evidence became a turning point in his journey, motivating him to take his recovery seriously.
As a businessman, Sudhakar’s professional interactions often revolved around social drinking. He feared that refusing alcohol at parties or client dinners would make him seem less relatable or less sociable.
In therapy, Sudhakar worked on assertiveness techniques. This helped him practice declining drinks gracefully without feeling awkward or judged. For instance, he started ordering non-alcoholic beverages and steering conversations away from alcohol. Over time, he realized that his confidence and business acumen spoke louder than his drinking habits.
Sudhakar often reacted defensively to his family’s concerns. “It’s my life, and I have the right to make my own choices,” he would assert, framing their care as interference. However, his defensive stance stemmed from his struggle to reconcile his self-image as a strong, independent individual with his dependence on alcohol.
His therapist helped him reframe this perspective, showing him how seeking help was not a sign of weakness but strength. Sudhakar began to understand that his choices weren’t just impacting him—they were shaping the well-being of his loved ones and his business.
Sudhakar’s treatment at Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre included therapy sessions, group counseling, and lifestyle interventions. He worked closely with psychiatrists and psychologists to address his mental health challenges, including the denial, shame, and inferiority complex that fueled his addiction.
With structured support, Sudhakar came out of his reliance on alcohol. His improved mental health allowed him to reconnect with his family and rediscover his passion for work. Today, Sudhakar credits his recovery to the comprehensive care he received and encourages others battling alcohol addiction to seek help.
Sudhakar’s story highlights the intricate emotional struggles that accompany alcohol addiction. It also underscores the critical role that mental health professionals and de-addiction centers play in addressing not just the habit but the underlying emotions driving it. Seeking timely help can pave the way for recovery and restore balance to life.
If you or your loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, help is always available at Vazhikatti.
To get professional help from one of the best deaddiction centres in Coimbatore, call 89408 00500.
