The Rising Alcoholism
— Each year, Goa records over 300 deaths due to liver cirrhosis, a condition predominantly linked to excessive alcohol consumption.
— Of the 300 monthly deaths attributed to GMC, 30% are directly linked to alcoholism or alcohol-related incidents.
— Previously, liver disease was more common among individuals in their 40s and 50s, but now cases are increasingly being diagnosed in people as young as their 20s.
— Experts emphasize the critical need for raising awareness about alcoholism, particularly among students and the medical community.
Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In the picturesque state of Goa, a disturbing health trend has emerged, highlighting the escalating toll of alcoholism on its younger population. Each year, Goa records over 300 deaths due to liver cirrhosis, a condition predominantly linked to excessive alcohol consumption. This alarming statistic is further compounded by the Goa Medical College (GMC) reporting between 140 and 160 cases of chronic liver disease every month.
The demographic shift in those affected is particularly worrisome. Previously, liver disease was more common among individuals in their 40s and 50s, but now cases are increasingly being diagnosed in people as young as their 20s. This change mirrors the declining age of alcohol initiation, which has dropped to between 12 and 14 years.
Of the 300 monthly deaths attributed to GMC, 30% are directly linked to alcoholism or alcohol-related incidents. These include drunk driving accidents, alcohol-induced diseases such as cancer, strokes, and kidney failure, as well as alcohol-related violence and suicide cases. Experts emphasize the critical need for raising awareness about alcoholism, particularly among students and the medical community.
“Alcoholism is a disease, not a disgrace, so we must keep talking about it,” stated Dr. Ashish Deshpande, founder of the Centre for Mental Health Advocacy, Research and Treatment Services. He underscored the vital role schools must play in prevention, as future alcoholics are likely among today’s students. Evidence-based interventions in schools and a coordinated effort to educate society about alcohol abuse are deemed essential.
The statistics paint a grim picture: one-third of suicides in India occur under the influence of alcohol, two-thirds of domestic violence cases involve alcohol abuse, 40% of workplace absenteeism is linked to alcohol consumption, and 80% of medical emergencies in government hospitals are alcohol-related. “A person under the influence can knock down an innocent pedestrian, leading to the need for medical intervention,” Dr. Deshpande added.
Dr. Rajesh Patil, GMC’s medical superintendent, stressed the importance of early detection by medical professionals. “Doctors must closely examine lab reports that indicate alcoholism-related abnormalities and refer patients to the appropriate medical centers or psychiatrists for help,” he said.
Experts believe that Goa’s approach to alcoholism needs a paradigm shift, focusing more on prevention rather than treatment. “Preventive measures are more cost-effective than the massive expenses incurred on treatment,” Dr. Deshpande emphasized, highlighting that early intervention can speed up recovery and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities. Given that alcoholism is a chronic condition with common relapses, continuous treatment and community involvement are crucial in addressing this growing public health crisis.
