AGNIHOTRA - A USEFUL ADJUNCT IN RECOVERY OF A RESISTANT DEMOTIVATED SMACK ADDICT*

AGNIHOTRA is a simple vedic ritual of lightening a pyramid of fire in a small copper pot and giving offering of Ghee & Rice on this fire at the time of sunset and sunrise with enchanting of two mantras. It is reported to enhance the state of tranquility of mind and is reported to be of benefit to those addicted to various types of intoxicants. We used Agnihotra in a young smack addict who was poorly motivated and resisted all efforts to help him even when he got over the physical withdrawal features. The results were encouraging. Over a period of 4 weeks, we found him to be a totally changed man who could go back to his work without any drugs. Follow up for more than a year, revealed no recurrence and positive achievements in his work performance. The paper presents practice of Agnihotra, also known as homa therapy, and discusses its role in drug addiction.