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Alcoholism in India- Epidemiology and Reason for Increase in Drinking Patterns

Aravind Vaithiyam

RAM PSYCHIATRY HOSPITAL and INSTITUE, India

Background/Objective: Alcohol consumption has been steadily increasing in developing countries
like India and decreasing in developed countries since the 1980s. The pattern of drinking to
intoxication is more prevalent in developing countries indicating higher levels of risk due to drinking.
62.5 million Alcohol users estimated in India

Method: .Due to its large population, India has been identified as the potentially third largest market
for alcoholic beverages in the world which has attracted the attention of multinational liquor
companies. Sale of alcohol has been growing steadily at 6% and is estimated to grow at the rate of
8% per year. About 80% of alcohol consumption is in the form of hard liquor or distilled spirits
showing that the majority drink beverages with a high concentration of alcohol.

Result: The percentage of the drinking population aged less than 21 years has increased from 2% to
more than 14% in the past 15 years, according to studies in the southern state of Kerala by Alcohol
and Drugs Information Centre India, a non-governmental organization

Conclusion: Per capita consumption of alcohol increased by 106.7% over the 15-year period from
1970 to 1996.Due to its large population, India has been identified as the potentially third largest
market for alcoholic beverages in the world which has attracted the attention of multinational liquor
companiesAlcohol use has been found to be an independent risk factor for suicide risk among Indian
youth.