Vivian Maverick Martins
Alcoholism is a medical condition characterised by a long-term, compulsive pattern of excessive alcohol consumption. So, when a BJP MLA Premanand Shet had pitched for a ban on alcohol consumption in Goa in the State Assembly some time back, one expected the other legislators to ponder over it and have a serious discussion.
However, there were no takers to what seemed like a legitimate demand with the way things are going in the state but what’s worse is that it sparked off flippancy with many ridiculing the demand.
It is high time we realise that alcoholism is slowly turning out to be one of the deadliest diseases that’s plaguing Goa. There is no denying the fact that our State is undergoing a major shift in its drinking habits, with tourists and locals consuming dangerous amounts due to its easy availability coupled with cheap pricing.
Today, almost every day, the social media is abuzz with tourist-local clashes, murders, accidents and many more crimes that are directly or indirectly related to alcohol.
Statistics suggest that every year, the state sees a little over 300 deaths due to liver cirrhosis. However, alcohol experts claim the real death toll could be much higher, once deaths from diseases closely associated with drinking, including heart disease and many cancers, are included.
Then there are innocent people who lose their lives due to rash and negligible driving by those under the influence of alcohol, so the deaths caused due to alcohol disguise the grim truth.
If truth be told, there has definitely been an increase in alcohol consumption and crimes associated with it, due to the utter failure of the government to firstly recognise it as a problem and then find necessary long-term solutions to deal with it.
On the contrary, the government is busy dishing out licenses to wine shops and bars citing revenue to the state exchequer.
It is baffling that the government lets go of multi crore scams like mining, land grab among many others which if investigated and loot recovered can fill the government coffers. What’s even wickeder, is that the government seems to be more interested in blood money that comes in the form of revenue from the alcohol and casino lobbies.
Alcohol has become much more affordable in real terms in recent years due to successful lobbying by alcohol bodies for tax breaks resulting in higher number of crimes and deaths.
While the government appeases the alcohol lobby for gains best known to its ministers, it fails miserably when it comes to keeping checks and balances on the licenses issued which is why one can see bars and liquor shops close to schools and colleges. There is no Think 18, 21, 25 policy, bar and wines shop owners don’t think at all while making their sales. Minors below 18 can easily purchase alcohol from wine shops and served drinks even at high end restaurants, pubs, discos etc.
Youngsters are lured into drinking by these people so that their business flourishes and they call them Happy Hours, only if alcohol made one happy so many people wouldn’t be drowning in their sorrows.
A major political effort is needed to tackle alcohol harm in recent years and Goa government should ramp up facilities for alcohol treatment to ensure more people receive better quality support. The taxation on alcohol should be re-looked as part of measures to reduce drinking-related harm. Few people will oppose, but the government should introspect for the larger common good as it will reduce alcohol-related crimes and improve public health
People take to alcohol mainly due to personal problems or to destress themselves. Many people feel that it’s the easiest way out to fight adverse situations but by personal experience I can say it’s not true as there are better ways to deal with it. One needs self-motivation to give up alcohol and to live a healthy life ahead. They also need moral support from their family members and the people in general. People have to be a little more supportive to alcoholics rather than ostracising, vilifying and neglecting them.
Alcoholism if not eradicated or controlled will prove to be incurable in near future. Stay away from alcohol because, life is a high.