Alcohol problems and responses: challenges for India

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Abstract
This paper briefly reviews the problems caused by alcohol in India and responses at community and national levels. In marked contrast to most European countries, alcohol use is rapidly increasing in India. Since the level of drinking predicts the public health consequences this is a significant threat for the future. Gross per capita figure of alcohol consumption (in terms of absolute alcohol) in India (1.2 litres) gives an inaccurate idea of the actual situation because the drinking minority in India has disproportionately high numbers of heavy drinkers. Alcohol related harm is also exacerbated by other accompanying factors including poverty, malnutrition, infectious diseases and more a dangerous environment. The increasing trend of drinking by women and young persons is posing a serious threat to an already precarious maternal and child health situation. India has no clear or sustained policy on alcohol, legal directives swinging from total prohibition, to state subsidy on raw materials for alcohol production. The recent trends towards liberalization of the alcohol industry are cause for concern. Preventive and treatment services for individuals with alcohol problems are grossly insufficient even for the existing level of need. Future challenges for India in trying to limit alcohol related problems are indicated.

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