Addiction always gives away from gratification to self destruction. Our brains get structured over time to get into this destructive pattern of drinking too much and then drugs, until it’s too late and now you are a prisoner to the medical system on your way out of this world. 

By R. Paul Dhillon

Addiction always gives away from gratification to self destruction. Our brains get structured over time to get into this destructive pattern of drinking too much and then drugs, until it’s too late and now you are a prisoner to the medical system on your way out of this world. 

Addiction and brain health were two of the main topics at the recent South Asian Business Association’s third annual Health and Welfare Seminar in Surrey. 

The seminar started with a direct and very effective presentation by Dr. Paramveer Brar, Emergency Medicine Specialist, who sees the destruction of alcohol and drug addiction first hand with the usual sad stories of a downward spiral as  a result of not taking the abuses of toxic consumption seriously, especially in the South Asian community where one or two drinks a night are considered like mango-pickle or chutney with Roti-Daal-curry.

Dr. Brar highlighted number of real world cases he’s dealt with people suffering from addiction of alcohol, from those in the denial stages to those fully engulfed in the disease and then those thinking hey I can do opium in Canada like I used to do in India – great – and then ending in the Cremation chamber because that opium was laced with Canadian-based Makhan (butter) fentanyl. Addiction is a cruel circle that once you fall into – it’s very hard to get out and that is where brain health comes in as one needs to stay mentally strong to fight addiction. 

Dr. Brar ended with a positive story where a patient recovered and fully reintegrated into society as a healthy community member and asset to his family. 

Other doctors presenting included Dr. Preet Chahal, a neurologist who spoke on brain health, Dr. Chattar RS Gill, a dentist who also spoke on dental and gut health, and Dr. Sandeep Thinda, a psychologist, who again spoke on mental health and making your so strong mentally that stand like Warriors of Saragarhi against the destructive armies of Addiction.

 So Stay strong my moderate drinking friends and know when you are crossing the line to the Destructive side. You want to enjoy your life for the long haul.