In view of the 40 % upsurge in alcohol addiction in the state, which must make all Goans bow their heads in shame, the Goa government and the society must launch a vigorous drive against the evil. The evil appears all the more frightening due to the upsurge in addiction among the women which is estimated at 10 % against the men’s 30%, going by Dr Rajesh Patil senior GMC surgeon`s disclosures to the press. Could it be that things like the free entry and free drinking facility for women, offered by certain pubs, in recent times, added to this social curse.
The authorities must swiftly conduct an awareness campaign, starting by educating the ruling MLAs, taking resources of the Alcoholic Anonymous organization. Detoxification centres must be set up for addicts that provide treatment and rehabilitation at affordable rates. If done so, more radical solutions will crop up.
