Prateik Babbar pens his journey against drugs, and it might just be the inspiration you need

The way drugs became a part of his day

Being born to two legendary actors namely Smita Patil and Raj Babbar didn't save him from consuming drugs at night, like party-goers do as a superficial part of their lifestyle. "I was using it in the morning to get myself through the day. I needed it to exist. Perhaps, the most widespread delusion about addiction is the amount of time it can take for someone to become an addict. The cinemas tell you it happens right after the first hit, but addiction, like any disease, progresses," he writes in the letter.

How he moved to more addictive drugs

Not everyone who indulges in consuming drug gets addicted. Prateik did. What started as an amateur's stint with marijuana and hashish, led him to consuming heavier and more addictive drugs like acid, cocaine and more. Slowly, the inevitable aftereffects started showing up. Drugs caused him frequent hot and cold flashes every morning, apart from nausea and body aches.

When the joyride got over...

Sooner or later, sensibilities knocked the door. There came a time when Prateik started taking pity on himself. All this while, he was amid a fight with himself to fill the void that ate up all his happiness. But how can drug suffice for love? In attempt to gain what he didn't have, he was on the verge of losing everything he had. Health, a social life, himself... The 'joyride' got over and he was now tasting hell.

Prateik Babbar

But your story will end only how YOU choose to end it.

When he finally decided to seek help

The greatest and foremost tool of altering yourself is realisation. Prateik finally decided to seek professional help and was encouraged by his family to buck up and come back to normal life. However, it wasn't easy. A long and faithful habit that he developed deliberately, wouldn't leave him so easily. He was almost trying to defeat a monster inside, as he battled the addiction. Three weeks into the rehab, he was still to get rid of it. But he refused to give up.

Addiction-free... finally!

It's been a year. Prateik is now addiction-free. But his heart goes out to the ones who are yet battling. As he looks back, he says it is utmost important to not bottle up emotions and frustrations that could kill you slowly. Holding yourself together at bad times is the best thing you could do, instead of falling into addiction and seeking momentary freedom!