Community Alcoholic - A Ticking Bomb

Abstract

Definition of Alcohol is ethanol specially when considered intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquor, a drink having ethanol and a mixture of ethanol and water that is usually 95% ethanol (1). Alcohol is having varying impact on health of people. Short-term effects include motor vehicle accidents, violence, injuries, and risky sexual behavior while long-term effects include carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, gastric ulcer, pancreatitis etc (2). Alcohol consumption is a major Public health Challenge. In India 18.8% males and 1.3% females above age of 15 years were consuming alcohol according to NFHS-5 Survey (3).

 In India different states are having different age limits for alcohol purchase and consumption. Although legal age for alcohol consumption in India varies from 18-25 years of age.  States like Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland and union territory of Lakshadweep and Manipur has complete ban on sale & purchase of same (4). Although some rules and regulations are there but still many people who are below this age limit they consume it.  Alcohol is also one of the habit-forming substances so when control is not there people land up in chronic alcoholism.  Reasons for increase in consumption of alcohol  is rapid industrialization, nuclear family, staying away from warm family environment, peer pressure, pressure of job and performing well in life, i.e. target setting is there, increase social gatherings and  alcohol consumption is considered as symbol of modernization.