The present alarming situation in the society has prompted Art of Living to set up VVM De-addiction Research Centre with the grace of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Centre offers a therapy that has an edge over other conventional treatments. Its detoxification programme includes a special treatment for the mind - the SUDARSHAN KRIYA® - a powerful breathing technique that establishes the mental strength and control, which is critical for emerging out of addiction and further possible relapses.

Dr Vinod Kochupillai of ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (AIIMS), New Delhi, has carried out extensive research upon the effects of the Sudarshan Kriya®, which offer conclusive evidence of the benefits of this technique.

The studies suggest strong connections between the body and mind, and imply that human emotions and thought processes affect the functioning of the brain, endocrine system and immune system. So well-founded are these concepts that they have recently led to the emergence of a new medical discipline termed as ‘Psycho-neuroimmunology’ or ‘Mind-Body Medicine’.

‘Pranayam’ is an ancient knowledge. This breathing process directs / regulates the ‘prana’ which is the subtle life force energy. The regular practice of Pranayams, along with the Sudarshan Kriya® taught by H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, activates and harmonizes several body and mind rhythms, such as those of the brain, heartbeat, enzymes as well as emotional rhythms. The process floods the human system with life supporting energy, which renews physical, mental and emotional states. Detoxification through this process helps individuals to easily get rid of their addictions; additionally, it works to eliminate stress, expand awareness, improve health and vitality, and maintain a mind that is rooted within the present moment.

HOW OUR STEP BY STEP 20 POINT PROGRAMME HELPS DE-ADDICT SURELY AND SUSTAINABLY?

• Physical: Use of medicines on the patients to aid them in overcoming the withdrawal symptoms.
• Therapeautic: Persuading the patients into participating in different types of group discussions, individual inputs, experience sharing, etc. and individual sessions.
• Spiritual: Teaching Yoga, Pranayam, rhythmic breathing exercise or Sudarshan Kriya®, Meditation and Satsang every evening. These are being practiced everyday at a particular time.

HOW OUR STEP BY STEP 20 POINT PROGRAMME HELPS DE-ADDICT SURELY AND SUSTAINABLY

Step 1 : Honesty After years of denial, recovery can begin with a simple admission of powerlessness over drugs and alcohol.

Step 2 : Faith It is a truism that before a higher power can even operate, you must first believe that it can.

Step 3 : Admission The next step is getting admitted to the Centre for effective detoxification, cure and rehabilitation.

Step 4 : Surrender A lifetime of control, or lack of it, can be changed forever by making a simple decision to turn things over to a superior power.

Step 5 : Soul Searching The 20-step recovery program is a process, not an event; the same holds true for this step.

Step 6 : Detoxification The most difficult stage, an amalgamation of the physical, therapeutic and spiritual cure manifested by withdrawal symptoms (nausea, stomach pain, stiffness of extremities, insomnia, anorexia and neuro disorders).

Step 7 : Sudarshan Kriya® A powerful breathing technique that establishes mental strength and control, critical for emerging out of addiction and possible relapse.

Step 8 : Integrity The most difficult of all steps; provides the greatest growth opportunity.

Step 9 : Acceptance Smooth recovery is accelerated through an acceptance of personality defects and a motivation to correct them.

Step 10 : Post detoxification A stillness emerges coupled with kriya (exercise), inputs and reflections. Evening satsangs or bhajans elevate the soul.

Step 11 : ‘Psycho Neuro Immunology’ (mind body medicine) ‘Pranayam' and meditation regulates the ‘prana’, the life force. Regular sessions activate and harmonise mind and body rhythms as well as emotion, reduce stress, expand awareness and improve vitality.

Step 12 : Humility The spiritual focus of this stage is humility, asking a higher power to do something that cannot be done by self-will of mere determination.

Step 13 : Counselling An assessment of a patient’s socio-economic background helps professional interventionists identify and rermove causes of addiction from their root.

Step 14 : Behavioral Counselling The patient’s immediate influencers are identified and counselled by professional interventionists on behavioural patterns, psyche etc.

Step 15 : Willingness A therapy directed at making amends for those affected by the addiction.

Step 16 : Forgiveness Making amends can be a great medicine for the spirit and soul.

Step 17 : Maintenance It is absolutely necessary to maintain spiritual progress in recovery.

Step 18 : Making Contact A step to help you discover the plan GOD (as you understand Him) has for your life.

Step 19 : Service For those in recovery programs, practicing this step is simply ‘how it works’.

Step 20 : Follow up Recovered individuals are advised to attend VVMRC’s city office (Kankurgachi) to report their progress, voice their fear of relapse (if any) and encouraged to conduct outreach programmes.