Impact of the lockdown on alcohol-dependant individuals and their families: a mixed-methods study in rural south India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Excessive alcohol consumption is the underlying cause of mortality and morbidity. In Tamil Nadu, South India, alcohol is available through government-regulated outlets, and during the lockdown, there was a ban on the sale of alcohol. This study was designed to explore the change in drinking pattern among known alcohol dependants as well as family and communities’ response to the change. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted with quantitative data collection followed by in-depth interviews with alcohol dependants and their spouses and focus group discussions with family members and community leaders. Results We found a significant change in abstinence from drinking among 68% surveyed. Coping mechanism most often used was distraction and involving self in household chores. Most spouses reported that the decreased access to alcohol improved family life during the lockdown. Leaders expressed poor societal ownership of alcoholism as a problem. And once the restrictions were lifted, a rebound phenomenon was observed. Conclusion This study provides evidence of positive change in improved family life and decreased violence owing to the decrease in alcohol consumption. The community’s inability to support reforming alcoholics is an important finding of the study. We recommend interventions to support them and also policies to restrict alcohol access.