MENACE OF ALCOHOL: A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN IN INDIA

*Charu Kohli and Suneela Garg

ABSTRACT

Alcoholic beverages are known to be consumed in human civilization since ages. Around 3.3 million deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol globally which represents 5.9 % of all deaths. India too is not unaffected by public health consequences of alcohol intake where per capita alcohol consumption has been reported to be 4.3 liters. Main causes of mortality are cirrhosis of liver and road traffic accidents. Prevalence of alcohol use disorders and alcohol dependence was 2.6% and 2.1% respectively. The social costs of alcoholism far outweigh the benefits accrued from the sale and taxation of alcohol. The harmful use of alcohol is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases and injuries. There is a causal relationship between harmful use of alcohol and mental and behavioral disorders. To combat the problem of alcohol in India, political will is of utmost importance. All stakeholders should be involved while framing the public polices and frameworks for alcohol issue. The market forces which are promoting alcohol should be brought under legislative control. Legislations should be strictly enforced. Taxation policies can have huge impact on alcohol demand and supply system. Raising public awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol is essential.

Keywords: Alcohol, health, India.