Actor Janhvi Kapoor has sparked an important conversation around alcohol addiction, calling it a “medical condition” rather than a matter of willpower, and highlighting the need to reduce stigma around it.
Addiction Is Not Just a Choice
Speaking on a podcast, Janhvi Kapoor described alcohol addiction as a serious issue that is often misunderstood and judged in society.
She emphasised that addiction is not simply a behavioural choice, but a condition that requires awareness, understanding, and medical support.
A Shift in Understanding Addiction
Janhvi noted that society often swings between silence and judgment when it comes to addiction, leaving little space for informed discussion or support.
She also shared personal reflections on how addiction has affected people around her, and how difficult it can be to respond to it without proper knowledge.
Experts: Addiction Is a Medical Condition
Mental health professionals support this view, explaining that alcohol addiction is a complex condition influenced by brain function, psychological factors, and environment.
Experts note that nearly one in five alcohol users may develop dependency, though many cases go undiagnosed due to stigma and lack of awareness.
Clinical Perspective on Treatment
According to clinical psychologists, treatment goes beyond simply reducing alcohol intake. It involves understanding emotional triggers, behavioural patterns, and underlying mental health conditions.
Therapy often focuses on coping strategies, relapse prevention, and family involvement to support long-term recovery.
Warning Signs of Dependence
Psychiatrists highlight key indicators such as increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, mood changes, memory issues, and continued use despite negative consequences.
In more severe cases, medical detoxification and structured psychiatric care may be required.
Emotional Triggers and Recovery Challenges
Janhvi Kapoor also pointed out that emotional stress, anxiety, and social pressure often contribute to dependency, and blaming individuals can sometimes worsen the condition instead of helping.
A Call for Awareness
Both Janhvi Kapoor and mental health experts stress the importance of treating addiction with empathy, awareness, and medical understanding rather than judgment.