The menace of alcoholism is real. This is not about the debate surrounding the controversial Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989. Prohibition or not, alcohol abuse and its consequences have been thoroughly investigated and documented by experts around the world. Unfortunately, no research worth the mention has been undertaken in Nagaland with regard to use of alcohol and its effects.
A simple layman’s observation will suggest that almost every other household in Mokokchung has a member who is struggling with alcoholism. Apart from ruining the lives of those who abuse alcohol, it is a known fact that the alcoholic is also responsible for causing much distress to the family, community and society at large.
Drinking alcohol frequently affects the physical as well as the mental health of the individual consuming it and getting drunk can involve many other health issues such as dizziness, loss of coordination, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of inhibition, and even loss of consciousness – everybody knows that. Excessive use of alcohol is causing so many premature deaths, we know that even though we do not have the data.
Alcoholism is also a drain on the economy because it diminishes productivity of the person under the grip of alcoholism. Alcohol addiction is also a serious health issue. Owing to the lack of proper research and scientific data in Nagaland, it is difficult to estimate the economic losses incurred as a result of alcoholism but it will certainly run into hundreds of crores of rupees annually.
Today, alcoholism is seen as a growing threat to the wellbeing of our society which is slowly tightening its grip over every stratum of the society. The situation is similar in both the urban and rural areas. Alcoholism is ruining not just our society; it is destroying lives and societies the world over. Even the states and countries without prohibition are facing the brunt of alcoholism.
Globally, among substance abuse, alcohol is said to be ranked second, next only to tobacco consumption. There is also an increase in the quantity of total alcohol consumption. This trend leads to an increased incidence of physical and psychological illnesses. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to create awareness regarding this social evil. The ill effects of alcohol and alcoholism are proven facts.
To properly address the problem, there must first of all be a proper and scientific research undertaken. Efforts are no doubt being made by various agencies, including the church, to mitigate the problem but results will not be satisfactory as long as the issue is not addressed scientifically.
Research on the issue is a must. At the same time, the problem should not be viewed through the prism of morality or spirituality. It should be researched and analyzed for what it is – a health problem. And, finally, means for treating the problem may be encouraged, be it pharmacological or non-pharmacological.
The growing prevalence of alcohol abuse is a matter of serious concern, and urgent steps need to be taken to combat this social evil before it becomes a full blown crisis.