Karnataka: Alcohol dependence still a major concern

Bengaluru: The government-run Victoria Hospital's de-addiction centre sees some 15-16 alcohol abuse cases every month. “They are a host of cases, like alcohol dependence, cannabis addiction, opioids and heroin. But majority of them are of alcohol dependence," said Dr H. Chandrashekahar, Professor and HoD, Department of Psychiatry, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).

A recent study of 160 emergency cases revealed that almost half of them had alcohol involvement, like intoxication while driving and attempting suicide with alcohol. "Alcohol abuse is a big problem," stressed Dr Chandrashekhar.

According to the National Mental Health survey, the prevalence of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) was reported to be the highest in the 50-59 age group (29.4%) and among the sexes, it was higher in males (35.7%). Last year in Karnataka, some 20,000 patients with alcohol addiction were treated at district hospitals across the state and of them, only a few cases were of marijuana and opioid addiction.

Pointing out that setting aside just a day and discussing the trends of substance abuse does not exactly bring a solution, Dr Vivek Benegel at Nimhans said, “We have to ask the right questions. It starts with accepting that here is a problem and young people are at highest risk and not for just drugs but also for onset of sexual behaviours. Also, for prevention or reduction, we need to look at the demand reduction side of it than just the supply reduction side.”

According to the National Mental Health Survey, there are several macro and micro issues that determine the use of psychoactive substances in the community. Stress relief, curiosity, recreation, lack of family support/ emotional support for youth and depression were some of the reasons brought out by participants in many states. Interestingly, it was also pointed out that drugs (opioids) are also used to increase sexual performance.