New Delhi, February 18: A national level survey has revealed that around 16 crore Indians, about 14.6 per cent, between the age of 10 to 75 are consuming alcohol. The report also noted that the highest prevalence of liquor use comes from Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh. The details were revealed in a survey conducted by the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry (SJEM) in collaboration with the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). Is Wine Safer Than Beer? The Truth About Alcohol and Cancer.
The survey, titled 'Prevalence and Extent of Substance Use in India', was conducted in all 29 states and 7 union territories. The report suggested that around one in 38 drinkers opt for some form of treatment, while one in 180 reported getting hospitalisation. After alcohol, cannabis (2.8 per cent around 3.1 crore people) and opioids (used by 1.14 per cent of the people surveyed) are the commonly used substance. Goa Alcohol Ban: Rs 2,000 Fine for Boozing, Cooking on Public Place and Beaches.
At the national level, 4,73,569 individuals were interviewed from 2,00,111 households in 186 districts. The report said that more than three crore people have reported using cannabis in the last 12 months. The most commonly used opioid is heroin used by 1.14 percent of the people surveyed followed by pharmaceutical opioids and opium.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 18, 2019 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).