India: Alcoholism on the rise

A number of de-addiction centres have sprung up across the country following a rise in the incidence of alcoholism, but in the absence of a mechanism to monitor such centres, doctors caution against quacks out to make a fast buck, Chennai Online reported May 7.

According to a report, there were around 20 de-addiction centres in Delhi in 2001, but since then, the number has doubled. "If you take into account the unregistered ones along with the ones run by the government and those run by unscrupulous elements, the numbers are much higher," says Dr Gurumukh Singh who runs a de-addiction centre in the capital.

Sociologists and doctors point out that the increase in de-addiction or rehab centres only points that alcoholism is on the rise.

"Alcoholism has always been a problem, but it is only now that it is becoming more visible," says Rajiv M, chairman, Alcoholics Anonymous, Delhi, a fellowship of victims of alcoholism.

However, with the increasing number of de-addiction centres, it seems that many centres may not quite live up to their name. "Now, one finds that almost in every area one has a de-addiction centre. But, the numbers are not important. The main thing is whether they are doing a service or a business," questions Singh.

De-addiction centres usually charge between Rs 2,500 and Rs 20,000 per month and given the fact that usually a de-addiction course runs for a period of three months, many have now turned it into a profitable business.

The liquor industry, however, seems to be happy with the increase in sales. "The Indian beer industry continues to remain in high spirits this year after a great show in 2006. While there was a growth of 15 per cent last year, it is expected to register a growth of more than 24 per cent this year," says Sandeep Kumar, director of SABMiller India and an office-bearer of All India Brewers Association (AIBA).

According to latest data released by Excise Department, Delhi, the target for revenue collection during the current financial year has been fixed at Rs 1050 crore.

Following the policy, the total sale of beer bottles according to the Excise department in Delhi in 2005 was 73132442, while that of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) bottles was 75127779. Comparing it to the figures of the previous year, which was 57926040 and 68375990 respectively, one can see that there has been quantum jump in sales.

Encouraging the shift from high alcohol to low alcoholic drinks, the government has reduced the rates of duty on wine. The rates of duty on beer is already on the lower side compared to the hard liquor, thereby making the availability of beer/wine at attractive rates exhorting people to consume low alcoholic drinks compared to high alcoholic drinks, according to the official website of Delhi government's Excise department.

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