Alcoholism: A Health and Social Evil

Abstract

Since ancient times, the general conception is in favour of acceptance of alcohol consumption in Indian culture. In recent time, the things have changed into disaster as there is now serious problem arising due to alcohol abuse in India as compared to past. According to World Health Organization (WHO) in 2013, globally 139000 deaths were directly due to alcoholism. The report also revealed that more than 11% of Indians were consumers against the global average of 16%. The per capita consumption of alcohol in India has increased almost 38% in a decade from 1.6 liters in 2003-2005 to 2.2 liters in 2010-2012. National crime records bureau (NCRB) released data related to alcohol and health analysis in the year 2013 says 15 people dies every day, or one in every 96 minutes due to alcohol related health problems. In the report it was mentioned that role of political support to crack downs against the use of alcohol was not implemented due to their opinion of the use of alcohol as a health problem not a moral one. As per the psychiatric diagnosis in 2013 alcohol abuse in which there is recurring harmful use of alcohol despite its negative consequences, it was reclassified as alcohol use disorder (Alcoholism) along with alcohol dependence, There are two types of alcohol abuse - those who have anti social and pleasure seeking tendencies and those who are anxiety ridden people who are able to go without drinking for long periods of time but are unable to control themselves once they starts.