Free online counselling for alcoholics

TNN | Updated: Apr 26, 2020, 12:29 IST

Image used for representational purpose only

MANGALURU: A group of like-minded people, from different walks of life, have launched an online counselling platform to help tipplers and alcoholics.
The group, consisting of social workers and media professionals, launched a nationwide online counselling platform for alcoholics, who have been facing a tough time, due to the unavailability of alcohol, since the lockdown was clamped. Ecolink Recovery Online, a Mangaluru-based online therapeutic group, in cooperation with local web portals and TV channels, have initiated a national opinion survey in this regard, which is accompanied by online counselling for alcoholics.
Ronnie Thomas, coordinator of Recovery Online, said that due to not getting alcohol since the lockdown was clamped, most alcoholics and tipplers suffered withdrawal symptoms and other complications. “The lockdown has caused forced detoxification for alcoholics and tipplers, like it happens in de-addiction centres. However, a person suffering from alcoholism also requires timely emotional support, which can help him to quit the habit permanently, and this where online counselling comes to his aid,” he said, stressing that there is a high chance that a person who has been completely detoxified from the ravages of alcohol abuse, is likely to get back to his old habits, once liquor shops are opened, when the lockdown is lifted. “This is a crucial time to provide them with counselling, otherwise almost every alcoholic or tippler will rush to liquor shops once the lockdown is lifted,” he said.
Several counsellors and therapists have already registered to offer free counselling and guidance to tipplers and alcoholics. Clara D’Cunha, one of the first counsellors who signed up for the free service, feels that the lockdown could be a blessing in disguise for alcoholics and tipplers. “This is only if they convert this crisis into an opportunity,” she said. One can avail the free service by logging on to: www.ecolinkrecovery.com/recovery-online