What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol Addiction also called Alcoholism or Alcohol use disorder or Alcohol Abuse is the inability to control drinking alcohol due to physical or emotional instability.
People addicted to alcohol may feel guilty about their drinking and desire to cut down on it but still begin each day with a drink.
Why is Alcohol one of the most addictive substances in India?
Alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed legal drugs in India. From weddings and formal meetings to unwinding after a day’s work, alcohol is the most common legal drug in India. Alcohol consumption is estimated to reach about 6.21 billion liters by 2024 (Statista), with 19% of men in India being drinkers (NFHS-5 2019-21).
So ease of availability, acceptance by family, and taboo of this, not an addictive drug makes Alcohol the most addictive substance and a soaring issue in India.
Soaring Problem of Alcohol Addiction in India
A 2022 study by the Lancet shows that there has been an increase in the consumption of alcohol in India over the last three decades.
This increase can be attributed to rising levels of disposable income and a growing urban population along with India’s $20 billion alcohol market with an expected growth rate of 7% annually from 2021-25 period (IWSR Drinks Market Analysis). Although despite the growth of branded alcohol, the problem related to illicit or illegally brewed alcohol remains widespread in India. As per NCRB, more than 6000 people died due to consumption of illicit liquor in India from 2016 to 2022.
Penetration of alcohol addiction is rising with its social acceptance, female empowerment, Spending power, and product innovations. So it is only natural that as India evolves socially and economically, so would the problems related to addiction.
Factors that affect Alcoholism in India
Alcoholism in India is a public health issue affecting individuals across socio-economic backgrounds. Cultural factors, accessibility, and stress contribute to its prevalence. Efforts to raise awareness, promote education, and enhance support systems are crucial in addressing this complex problem. They also help in reducing the societal impact of alcohol abuse in India.
Easy Availability of Alcohol in India
The easy access to alcohol in India presents a big problem and increases the country’s widespread alcohol consumption. India comprises 36 States and Union Territories (UTs). It follows a federal republic system, where some policies are controlled at the Federal level, and others are left to the States and UTs. In the case of alcohol, except for a handful of Federal policies, most have been devolved to the States, resulting in weak alcohol control strategies. Accessibility plays a significant role in the nation’s high rates of alcohol consumption because of the abundance of liquor stores, the loose laws, and the acceptance of alcohol in culture. A comprehensive strategy that includes public awareness efforts and regulatory actions is needed to address this issue.
Rise in Socio-Economic Status of People
In India, there has been a contradictory correlation between the rise in socioeconomic class and an increase in alcoholism. Alcohol consumption rises with disposable earnings, creating social and health problems. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, as alcohol companies see developing countries as emerging markets for their products, alcohol availability and consumption continue to increase in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This is evident in India, which has been steadily rising, with recorded per capita alcohol consumption increasing from 1.6 liters in 2003–2005 to 2.2 liters in 2010 to 5.5 liters in 2016–2018.
Family Environment
Family environments significantly influence alcoholism in India. Factors such as familial attitudes, upbringing, and communication patterns contribute to an individual’s risk. According to a cross-sectional analytical study conducted on students in Bengaluru, Individuals having a family income of more than one lakh had 2.6 times higher risk of alcohol use, and, Individuals having a family history of alcohol had 1.4 times higher risk of alcohol use.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a substantial factor contributing to alcoholism in India. Social norms and influences within peer groups can lead individuals to engage in excessive drinking. According to a study, Alcohol use among adolescents in India: a systematic review, published in the National Library of Medicine, The mean age for initiation of drinking ranged from 14.4 to 18.3 years. In students between 18 and 22 years, 18.0% had initiated drinking between 10 and 14 years, 55.1% had initiated between 15 and 19, and 26.9% after 19 years.
Negative Emotionality
Negative emotionality significantly correlates with alcoholism. Individuals may turn to alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. According to a research, Alcohol use among adolescents in India: a systematic review, published in the National Library of Medicine, 17.8% of students consume alcohol regularly as they think it acts as a coping mechanism for depressive symptoms, while 9.6% drink alcohol to take the mind off other stressing issues.
Culture and Media
According to a study by NCBI, for young people, social media are a source of exposure to two crucial factors that offline are associated with alcohol use: peer alcohol behavior and alcohol advertising. Social media can combine traditional media exposure to alcohol-related content with peer interactivity, resulting in a potentially even more powerful influence on drinking behavior.
Health Concerns raised by Alcohol Addiction in India
Alcohol, by nature, is toxic and has dependence-inducing properties with 1% of disease burden worldwide and causes more than 3 million deaths across the world every year (WHO).
Alcohol addiction in India raises serious health concerns that include liver diseases, cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, and neurological impairments. The increased risk of injuries, social consequences, and susceptibility to infectious diseases increases the overall impact.
Alcohol is one of the most important reasons for an end-stage liver disorder worldwide. According to research, Current State Of Alcohol Addiction In India, around 140.6 thousand individuals passed on because of liver cirrhosis brought about by liquor utilization across India in 2016. Street traffic wounds and malignant growth were likewise common. Not only liver cirrhosis or road accidents, there are also several examples of diseases caused by drinking excessive alcohol, as it can harm both our mental and physical health.
Social Concerns raised by Alcohol Addiction in India
In India, alcoholism raises severe societal issues that include child maltreatment, spousal violence, and disruption of families. Productivity at work declines and stigmatization of individuals leads to social isolation. The larger community all feels public safety problems, educational obstacles, and economic strain. According to the 2015-2016 India National Family Health Survey, 33% of married women had been victims of spousal physical, sexual, or emotional violence. It also came to light that abuse differs depending on the level of alcohol consumption by men.
Alcohol intake was linked to 44% of child abuse, according to a Bangalore study, and drinkers were more likely than non-drinkers to report abusing a kid (26.6%), including both emotional and physical abuse.
Preventive Measures for Alcohol Addiction
Preventing alcohol addiction requires a multifaceted approach, including education, community outreach, and supportive policies. Public awareness campaigns, integrated school programs, and targeted interventions raise awareness about alcohol risks. Regulatory measures, workplace policies, and accessible treatment options also ensure a comprehensive strategy.
The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) scheme has been implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment of the Government of India. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to State Governments/UT Administrations for preventive education, awareness generation, and support for ex-drug addicts. Additionally, NGOs/VOs receive funding for the operation of rehab centers, community-based interventions for adolescents, and various addiction treatment facilities in Government hospitals.
To address the problem of drug abuse among the youth of India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in 272 of the most vulnerable districts since August 2020.
The Abhiyaan emphasizes stakeholder participation, involving 8,000 trained Master Volunteers and engaging 4,000+ youth organizations. Over 11.99 crore people have been reached through on-ground activities, with significant contributions from women, educational institutions, and social media. An Android app facilitates real-time data capture, and prominent universities actively support the initiative, conducting activities on substance use awareness on their campuses.
How to deal with Alcoholism?
Addressing alcoholism involves acknowledging the issue, seeking professional intervention, and considering detoxification under medical supervision if necessary. Counseling and therapy, including behavioral interventions, help tackle the psychological aspects of addiction.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced the Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse and for Social Defence Services. The Scheme has two parts:
Assistance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Under this scheme, financial assistance up to 90% (95% for North-Eastern states, Sikkim and J&K), of the approved expenditure is given to voluntary organizations and other eligible agencies for setting up/running Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs), Awareness-cum-de-addiction camps (ACDC), Workplace Prevention Programmes and more. The balance has to be borne by the implementing agency.
Financial Assistance in the Field of Social Defence
The Scheme ‘General Grant-in-Aid Programme for Financial Assistance in the Field of Social Defence’ aims to:
- Meet urgent needs falling within the mandate of the Ministry
- Alcohol deaddiction supports such initiatives of an innovative nature in welfare and empowerment. Financial assistance is given up to 90% of the approved expenditure to the voluntary and other eligible organizations. In the case of an organization working in a relatively new area where both voluntary and Government efforts are minimal but the need for the service is very significant, the Government may bear up to 100% of the cost.
According to the World Health Organization, certain areas governments could work with to reduce the harmful use of alcohol are:
Leadership, awareness, and commitment
Policy options for this area include developing comprehensive strategies to reduce alcohol harm, appointing a responsible institution, coordinating with relevant sectors, ensuring access to information and education, and raising awareness without stigmatization.
Health services’ response
Enhancing health and social welfare systems involves increasing the capacity for prevention, treatment, and care for alcohol-related issues, including alcohol abuse treatment for affected families, screening initiatives, and interventions for various disorders.
Availability of alcohol
Policy options include regulating the production, distribution, and serving of alcoholic beverages through licensing systems, setting a minimum age for purchase, and adopting measures to reduce the availability of illicit alcohol.
Marketing of alcoholic beverages
Policy options for this area include establishing regulatory frameworks, legislating self-regulatory measures, and monitoring marketing content, volume, and techniques, especially about youth. Additionally, implementing administrative and deterrence systems for enforcing marketing restrictions is crucial.
How do government policies impact Alcohol regulation in India?
The influence of government policies on alcohol abuse treatment is multifaceted. It includes regulatory, economic, educational, and enforcement aspects of alcohol distribution and regulation. A well-designed and regularly executed set of rules can reduce the negative impacts of alcoholism on both people and society.
Here is how Indian government policies impact alcohol regulation:
Regulatory Frameworks and Accessibility
Government policies have a significant effect on the accessibility of alcohol in a society. The availability of liquor outlets, license hours, and pricing schemes are all within the jurisdiction of regulatory organizations.
Pricing and Taxation
The economic features of alcohol deaddiction policy, such as taxation and price, considerably influence consumption patterns. Higher taxes on alcoholic drinks can serve as a disincentive, making them less affordable to particular groups. There is no GST on alcohol but an 18% tax on ingredients to make alcohol.
Educational and Awareness Programs
Government activities such as education and awareness campaigns are essential in avoiding alcohol consumption. Public health policies that emphasize the dangers of excessive alcohol use encourage responsible drinking, and highlight available treatment options help to create a better-educated society.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Support
Government strategies that handle alcoholism amongst alcohol abusers comprehensively frequently include contributing funds to treatment and recovery programs. Accessible healthcare, support groups, and counseling services all help to promote a comprehensive approach to alcoholism treatment.
Law Enforcement and Regulatory Compliance
Stringent enforcement of alcohol deaddiction is critical to their success. Policies against underage drinking, drunk driving, and the operation of unregistered businesses must be strictly enforced.
The efficacy of these policies is debatable, with research yielding variable outcomes depending on execution and kind of policy. Some support enhanced enforcement and an emphasis on health problems, while others want liberalization to regulate illegal commerce and raise income. Finding the correct balance is an ongoing difficulty for India’s alcohol control.
Alcohol addiction among Indian youth a matter of concern
India is dealing with a growing shadow: alcohol dependence among its youth. The prevalence of underage drinking in India is worrying, with a survey indicating that 88% of youngsters under 25 use illicit alcohol. Increased disposable wealth, peer pressure, and the glamorization of alcohol in popular culture all contribute to this troubling trend.
The ramifications are far-reaching, affecting not just youth but also the fabric of society. Addiction causes health problems like liver damage, gastrointestinal damage, and kidney damage, mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety, and an increased chance of accidents and injuries. The increasing rate of alcoholism leads to failing academic performance, professional floundering, and failing relationships.
Essentiality of Addressing Alcohol Dependence in Youth
Addressing this situation needs a multifaceted strategy. Awareness and education are crucial to the process. Schools and universities must incorporate alcohol education into their curricula, dispelling stereotypes about alcohol dependence and emphasizing its harmful consequences. Public awareness initiatives using conventional and digital media can remove the glamorization of alcohol and enable people to make educated decisions.
Fighting alcoholism among Indian kids requires a collaborative effort from parents and educators to legislators and healthcare experts. It requires addressing the underlying causes of this tendency, whether societal pressures or mental health issues.
The fight against alcoholism is about protecting a generation’s future rather than criticizing a beverage. By focusing on awareness, education, and comprehensive interventions, India can recover its colorful colors from the shadow of alcoholism and enable its youth to create bright futures.
Alcohol Rehabilitation Centres in India
Alcohol rehab centers in India play an important role in tackling the grave issue of alcoholism by providing a structured and supportive atmosphere for those seeking recovery. These centers serve as a haven for individuals looking for professional assistance, medical supervision, and psychological support, all of which are necessary for breaking the cycle of alcoholism.
The importance of these rehab centers stems from their ability to create individualized treatment routines that address both the physical and psychological elements of alcohol addiction. They provide detoxification treatments to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, counseling to address underlying concerns, and therapeutic interventions to support long-term recovery.
The alcohol rehabilitation centers make significant contributions to decreasing the social and personal consequences of alcohol abuse disorder by providing a holistic approach to alcohol addiction, assisting individuals in regaining control of their lives, and reintegrating into society as healthy and productive citizens.
“In the realm of addiction, rehabilitation centers are the transformative sanctuaries where broken souls find the strength to rebuild.”
