ALCOHOLISM: A SIN TO THE SOCIETY

Alcohol use is quite common in a developing country like India, both in rural and urban areas with prevalence rates as per various studies varying from 23% to 74% in males. Although it's uncommon in females, it has been found to be prevalent at the rate 24% to 48 % in females of certain regions and communities.

In countries like India, alcohol consumption tends to be a major problem because of the various socio-cultural practices across the nation, different alcohol policies and practices across the various states, lack of awareness of alcohol-related problems among the society, false mass media propaganda about alcohol use, various alcohol drinking patterns among the alcohol consumers and the emergence of social drinking as a habit because of the widespread urbanisation across India.

Alcohol is the most common drug used among adults in India. The excessive use of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of injuries and accidents. Even a single episode of excessive drinking can lead to a negative outcome in the life of an alcoholic.

Alcoholism and chronic use of alcohol are associated with numerous medical, psychiatric, social, emotional, financial problems and family problems. Family members, including children, exposed to a first-degree relative's alcohol problem are at risk for problems. Children of parents with regular alcohol consumption, for example, show higher rates of alcoholism than children who do not have parents with an alcohol addiction. It is important for social workers to keep in mind that alcohol and its problems affect the health, safety, and well-being of people.

IMPACTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE SOCIETY 

1. Aggression and Violence created by alcoholics : 

Along with unintentional injury to the alcoholic, alcohol plays a significant role in intentional injuries as a result of aggression and violence such as domestic violence,child abuse due to mental disturbance. Alcohol has been linked to physical violence by a variety of research studies in india which creates a unsafe environment. 

2. The family is the sufferer :

The alcohol consumption not only affects the individual but also his family members. The person under the influence of alcohol may indulge in unpleasant activities which may include domestic violence, may exhaust the savings of the family (which may affect the family in the long run). Some studies have found that emotional abuse to the spouse is very common in india. The social impact of alcohol abuse is a separate issue from the financial costs involved, and that impact begins in the home, extends into the community, and often affects society as a whole, much like the financial impact does.

3. Alcohol Abuse and Children fetal 

Alcohol syndrome is one of the most common direct consequences of parental alcohol usage, caused by alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy. Children with FAS display a variety of symptoms, many of which are lifelong and permanent. The child of the family may face some situations which may make life tough for them.

4. Road traffic accidents:

Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol puts many lives in danger.A study conducted by the national institute of mental health and neurosciences in 12 big hospitals of Bangalore have found that 28% of injuries because of road traffic accidents were directly attributable to alcohol.

Alcohol is psychologically and physically addictive. Frequent drinking can lead to alcoholism. The government tries to prevent alcohol abuse and alcoholism through laws and public awareness.

Initiatives taken by government to control alcoholism in India are as follows:- 

There are several laws governing alcohol and alcohol consumption. The Licensing and Catering Act sets rules about where alcohol may be sold, and prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.

● Local authorities check compliance with the Licensing and Catering Act.

● Besides the Licensing and Catering Act, there are other rules and regulations on alcohol use too:

● The Criminal Code mentioned that it is a criminal offence to be drunk in public and to disturb the public order while intoxicated.

● The Criminal Code also mentioned that it is a criminal offence to serve alcohol to someone who is obviously drunk.

● The Road Traffic Act sets limits for alcohol in the blood for drivers in India. The limit is 0.05% for drivers with a regular driving licence, and 0.02% for new drivers.

● The Media Act does not allow alcohol commercials to be broadcast on television and radio between 6.00 and 21.00.

Awareness campaigns about alcohol use

The government runs education campaigns to educate young people about alcohol abuse and bad effects of alcoholism in India, and to prevent underage drinking. The aim of the NIX18 campaign is to reinforce the social norm that people don’t drink and smoke before they turn 18(adult). The BOB campaign raises public awareness about not drinking and driving as it puts many lives in danger. The government also supports awareness campaigns at schools and colleges.

Awareness campaigns are aimed at:

● Preventing young people (below 18) from drinking.

● Preventing harmful alcohol consumption in large amounts.

● Preventing people from becoming psychologically or physically dependent on alcohol and losing their consciousness.

● Reducing harm caused by alcohol abuse, such as public antisocial behaviour, domestic violence and traffic accidents.

BEING KIND TO OTHERS DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING, TRY IT YOURSELF.

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                                                     Blog By ~ Aastha Jain