Means to Check Alcoholism: The Stakeholder View in Kerala

Abstract

Kerala has the highest per capita consumption of alcoholic beverages of any state in India, at around 8.1 litres per person per year. Among the various categories of alcoholic beverages available in Kerala, Indian Made Foreign Liquor(IMFL) is the most popular category. Out of the total population of 3.25 crores, 35% consume alcoholic beverages and 40% of the drikers follow addictive or pathological consumption pattern. The stakeholders have a pragmatic view on the means to manage alcoholism. Awareness programs on the ill effects of alcoholism, promotion of mild beverages, reduction in alcohol content of IMKL which is 42.8% at present and reduction in working hours of oulets are practical solutions to control abusive drinking. Prohibition was not at all successful in any part of the world to get rid of the ill effects alcoholism.