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The Human Cost Of Alcohol: An Indian Dies Every 96 Minutes From The Effects Of Drinking Alcohol
26 May 2016 11:17 AM GMT
Editor : Al Arafat Sherfuddeen
Passionate writer about current events, politics and happenings nationally and globally. An agent of communal harmony and an ardent Arsenal fan.
Alcohol consumption too often is taken lightly, the addiction and the after effects of intoxication have not been part of the public debate space. However, on public outcry, there has been efforts made by some of the state governments to bring about a total prohibition of alcohol. Even as the efforts are underway, alcohol has had its huge negative influence on the society.
What is the data behind alcohol consumption in India?
1. According to World Health Organisation report, per capita consumption of alcohol in India increased 38 percent, from 1.6 litres in 2003-05 to 2.2 litres in 2010-12.
2. The same report also said, 11 % of Indians are excessive drinkers in comparison with the global average of 16 %.
The Human cost of Alcohol in India
1. One person dies every 96 minutes due to alcohol related illness and issues according to Indiaspend analysis.
2. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamilnadu are the three states with most alcohol related deaths.
3. A Quarter of all hospital admissions and 69% of all crimes in Kerala are due to alcohol according to Alcohol and drugs information center.
Social Impact of Alcohol
1. Alcohol consumption has affected the dynamics of family, where precious savings are being used for consumption of liquor.
2. Violence against women is one of the outcomes of alcohol consumption and intoxication of alcohol has contributed to the patriarchal character of the society as evident in the damning statistics and reality that women face in India.
3. Children suffer abuse and become witness to rude behavior at homes which in turn influences their thinking patterns.
Prohibition is one of the ways forward and also educating the masses, however without proper implementation, prohibition gives rise to illicit liquor which in turn cost many lives. In 2015, consumption of illegally brewed liquor claimed more than 100 lives in Malwani, Mumbai, triggering widespread outrage. As many as 1,699 people died in 2014 after consuming spurious/illicit liquor, an increase of 339 percent from 387 in 2013 as reported by Indian Express.
The Logical Indian appeals to all the state governments to take steps for educating the masses and also to implement the prohibition properly. Ineffective implementation of total prohibition in many states has lead to deaths due to spurious liquor and has also contributed to rise of organised crimes.
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