Alcohol withdrawal: why stopping suddenly can be dangerous
For a heavy drinker, the first days without alcohol can be risky. Here are the signs to watch for and why detox should be supervised.
Read articleOpen 24 hours, every dayPsychiatrist-ledConfidential
Help for addiction and mental illness, at any hour
Nicholas Memorial Centre in Kavanad, Kollam offers psychiatric care, medically supervised de-addiction and counselling. Talk to us in confidence, in Malayalam or English, day or night.
Led by Dr. Nicholas Christy, Consultant Neuro Psychiatrist. Nursing students have trained here since 2009.
Families involvedCounselling for the household
Open 24 hoursAdmissions and calls every day. OP 8 AM to 5 PM
Psychiatrist-ledDr. Nicholas Christy, Consultant Neuro Psychiatrist
ConfidentialYour details stay with the treating team
Family involvedCounselling and guidance for the household
What we do
All services How we can help
Treatment is planned around the person, not a fixed package. Most people use more than one of these.
Alcohol de-addiction
Medically supervised detox, then counselling and relapse prevention.
Read more
Drug and substance de-addiction
Help with cannabis, pills and other drugs, including for young people.
Read more
Psychiatry and neuropsychiatry
Diagnosis and treatment for depression, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders and more.
Read more
Counselling and therapy
One-to-one, group and motivational therapy for lasting change.
Read more
Family support
Guidance and counselling for spouses, parents and children.
Read more
Aftercare and relapse prevention
Follow-up reviews and support after discharge.
Read moreClinical hypnotherapy
A supportive therapy for anxiety, stress and habit change.
Read moreThe first steps
What happens when you contact us
No referral is needed. From the first call to follow-up after discharge, here is how care works.
You call or message
Any time. Tell us what is happening. You do not need a referral.
Assessment
The doctor checks physical and mental health and the pattern of drinking or drug use.
Treatment
Safe detox if needed, then medicines, counselling and family sessions.
Recovery and follow-up
A relapse prevention plan, follow-up visits and a number to call.
For families
If you are worried about someone you love
Watching a husband, son, father or friend struggle with alcohol or drugs is exhausting. You do not have to work it out alone.
Our family guide explains the warning signs, how to start the conversation, what to do if they refuse help, and why stopping alcohol suddenly can be dangerous.
Stopping heavy drinking suddenly can be risky. Shaking, sweating, confusion, seeing things that are not there, or a fit after stopping alcohol needs medical attention. Call us, or call 112 in an emergency.
Founder and Chief
Dr. Nicholas Christy
MBBS, D.P.M., R.C.P.&S. (Ireland), F.I.P.S.
Consultant Neuro Psychiatrist and Hypnotherapist (Eire)
T.D. Medical College, AlappuzhaRoyal College of Physicians and Surgeons of IrelandUniversity of the West Indies, JamaicaFellow, Indian Psychiatric Society
Dr. Nicholas Christy worked in London and Ireland for almost a decade, trained in neurology in Jamaica and specialised in de-addiction. He leads every treatment plan at the centre and sees patients and families personally.
"Every person who walks through our doors deserves dignity, honest care and a real chance to rebuild their life."
Read before you call
All articles Plain-language articles for patients and families
How to talk to a family member about their drinking or drug use
What to say, what to avoid, and what to do if they refuse help the first time.
Read article
Cannabis and young people: signs parents can notice
Changes in sleep, friends, marks and mood can be early signs. How to respond without pushing your child away.
Read articleCommon questions
Questions families ask first
Short answers to the questions we hear most often on the phone.
Is treatment confidential?
Yes. What you tell us stays with the treating team. Indian law, including the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, protects the confidentiality of people receiving mental health care.
Can we come at night?
Yes. The centre is open 24 hours, every day. Please call ahead on +91 90727 72776 so the team is ready for you.
What if my family member refuses to come?
This is very common. Call us and talk it through. We can guide you on how to approach the conversation, and the family guide explains your options.
How long is treatment?
It depends on the person. De-addiction treatment usually involves a stay of a few weeks followed by regular follow-up. The doctor will explain the plan after the assessment.
Visit us
Find the centre
- AddressC.S.S. Building, CSS Campus, Poovanpuzha
Kavanad P.O., Kollam-3
Kerala 691003 - HoursOpen 24 hours, every day
Kavanad is in the north of Kollam city, near Ashtamudi Lake. On the Kavanad road, look for the blue roadside board and follow the yellow arrow.
We are here, day and night
Talk to us today, in confidence
Call at any hour, or send a WhatsApp message if it is hard to talk right now. No referral is needed, and your details stay with the treating team.
24-hour helpline
+91 90727 72776+91 98950 93337CSS Campus, Poovanpuzha, Kavanad P.O., Kollam, Kerala 691003