Alcohol consumption by females in Assam

Rilanjana Talukdar

(The writer can be reached at rilanjana.talukdar@gmail.com)

Historically the so-called man’s problem has now twisted and turned its way to the sway and fro of the changed modernity amidst the females, so-called Goddess Lakshmi in Hindu tradition and culture. Today the graph of moderate female drinkers to high ranged boozers has unbelievably soared up. Pragmatically, the reasons behind the increasing graph might vary, but it is alarming with an unexpected sea change.

Assam occupies the fourth position in liquor consumption in the country as a whole, but the females of the State are on the top position on this front, says a report from the WHO (World Health Organization). Alcohol consumption is rising in Assam in an alarming scenario. As per WHO reports, Assam ranked in 4th position, 23.8% in India for drinking alcohol. Tinsukia district of the State is in 3rd position, 36.5% in all over India. Women of Assam have been ranked first in so far as alcohol consumption is concerned.

Drinking habit might be contemplated as a booming modern aspect amidst the females and also obtained as a path for enjoyment, relaxation, intoxicated state of bliss but the way one section’s consumption level is flowing is now considered dangerous to one’s health, safety and well-being. Even in small amounts, alcohol has a much different impact on the female body. In fact, many experts acknowledge that, when compared to their male counterparts, binge and heavy drinking sessions put women at a much higher risk for problems which is the truth. Female alcoholics face some serious health and personal issues. In fact, data has proven that long-term drinking is much more dangerous to the health of women than men. Specific alcohol-related female health issues include: liver diseases, brain diseases, heart diseases, breast cancer, depression, anxiety, insomnia, infertility, so on and so forth…

Since way back as we can remember Indian culture and heritage which has been synonymous with conservative conduct and a hint of regressive thinking when it comes to talking about the modernization of India women. The past couple of years have seen a definite paradigm shift, which has fuelled discussion about progressive changes for the female species.

The new modernistic attitude in the fair sex has pushed women to pace with the 21st century lifestyle in India. The traditional kitchen settings have now paved way for corporate boardrooms. Coy dresses have replaced by an audacious vogue sense. Easy availability of liquors, access to alcohol at home, singleness, stress, depression, curiosity, peer pressure and its association with a certain kind of lifestyle have attributed to this shift in drinking patterns.

An ample number of NGOs, social workers are toiling hard to marginalize the drinking habits in both genders through various activities. Yes, undoubtedly from ancient times drinking amidst the fair sex was found relevant but now the limitations have marked beyond its control which is affecting and shall further affect the smooth flow of normal wellbeing in the society as well as in the family. Social drinking is casual alcohol consumption in a social setting. It commonly occurs on special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and so on…Many people tend to feel relaxed when drinking socially. This is because alcohol affects brain function, changing moods and behaviours. It binds receptors in the brain that boost dopamine levels, which activates pleasure. Heavy drinking causes people to engage in activities that jeopardize their safety.

In today’s digital age, social media and alcohol have become closely intertwined. Alcohol related ads and marketing encourage social drinking as do people who post photos and videos about their drinking activities on sites such as Facebook, Instagram and so on… According to the alcohol myopia theory, alcohol consumption narrows perception and causes individuals to pay closer attention for more pleasures rather than consequences. Alcohol impairs our ability to identify dangerous and risky situations. Careless drinking specifically leads to commit violence, and welcome in situations which might turn over to even fatalities. There are families and communities which bear the harsh consequences of the harmful consumption of alcohol through multiple violence, injuries, mental health issues etc.

It is high time we stepped up action to prevent this serious threat to the development of healthy societies. It is highly crucial for all member states to implement creative solutions that would definitely save lives as taxing alcohol and restricting advertisement. If any of one’s near and dear ones are suffering from drinking addiction in both the sexes intervention to the core is very influential as this is not a weakness—rather the drinker is psychologically and physiologically addicted to the substance of alcohol and requires attention and physical help.

Historically, art and literature have always portrayed females as symbols of innocence, purity, virtue and hope. Hindu texts always portray women as the highest Goddess, feminine energy as the essence of the universe who creates all the matter and consciousness, the eternal and infinite, the metaphysical and empirical reality. Practically today with the fast pacing world it would be unwise to judge a female negatively if she drinks, but yes being a creator, a symbol of purity, divinity, maker one definitely needs to put a check to the limitations from a positive angle in order to lead a peaceful and healthy lifestyle.