It was considered a taboo even a couple of decades back. However, now with alcohol being accepted socially, drinking is not a crime anymore. In fact the Indian society has accepted hard liquor now the same way it has with soft drinks. The number of bars and liquor shops have increased substantially all across the country save for a few dry states like Gujarat.
However, the trend is such that like AIDS, alcoholism and deaths related to it may soon turn out to be an epidemic in the country. The number of people drinking in India has swelled substantially and according to a 2016 ‘WHO’ report which became public in 2018, there are more than 20 million people in the country who are addicted to alcohol and drink daily. The same report states that the per capita consumption of alcohol in India has increased to 5.7 litres from 4.3 in 2010 and 2.4 litres in 2005. A dangerous signal indeed.
Deaths due to alcohol and alcohol-related diseases have also increased manifold. The figure stood at three million in 2016 – with the majority of deaths happening due to accident. According to the report 51.1 men in every lakh and 27.1 women per 1,00,000 populace suffer from liver diseases while cancer related to alcohol abuse is also on the rise in the country.
Today the situation is such that starting from school students (class XI and XII) to middle-age executives, drinking has become a fashion, a new method of stress- buster. ‘Nothing to do, let’s have a drink’ seem to be the slogan; earlier when people invited friends to their houses, the questions hinged on the menu… now it is what brand are you serving. The report also states that the percentage of drinkers in the 18-28 years age group has increased by 61% across the country.
The problem is that in India alcoholism is still not thought of as a disease, it is still deemed as a non-medical condition. However, the fact is that as the dependence on alcohol grows, a strict regimen of treatment is necessary. Alcoholism like smoking is an addiction that cannot be cured just like that. Many say that they have the will power to dump alcohol whenever they want to… but the fact is that much more than just the power of the mind is needed to get rid of the poison. Limited knowledge about the disease is also another major cause why it is spreading so rapidly.
Proper intake of beer and wine in restricted quantities can have a positive effect on the body. But most in India tend to forget that. Very few know when to stop or turn the glass upside down (a signal that no more drinks should be served).
But then what are the signs of alcohol addiction
Failing to cut down on drinking in spite of several attempts
Drinking alone and turning into a social outcast
In spite of developing physical problems continuing to drink
Failure to realise when to step during a session
Experience various types of problems like nausea, shaking of hands on stopping alcohol intake
Needing more quantity to have the same effect in comparison to what one had when he/she started boozing
Alcohol addiction is a problem which may harm the body in many different ways. Here’s a look at some of the potent dangers one faces due to excess intake of alcohol.
Drinking heavily can affect the heart leading to cardiac attacks and many other heart-related diseases including high blood pressure
It is sure shot way of getting the liver affected – cirrhosis, inflammation, jaundice and many more other diseases
Alcoholism also can affect the digestive system. There are many who drink on empty stomachs. It results in gastritis and can also cause ulcers
Excess intake of alcohol can also cause diabetic problems like hypoglycemia
Alcohol also increases the risk of contracting cancer in the throat, mouth, colon, liver and breasts
So next time you think of hitting the bottle… think what lies in store for you.
PNN and Agencies