New Delhi,LOK SABHA:The Government is cognizant of the fact that consumption of alcohol in excessive amounts can lead to social, economic and health related problems. A study conducted by NIMHANS for WHO published in the year 2006 shows that nearly 30% of adult men and less than 5% of women consume alcohol giving a male to female ratio of 6:1. Alcohol use is higher in poor communities. The average age of initiation has reduced from 28 years during the 80s to 20 years in recent years.
The policy with regard to sale and distribution of alcohol is within the purview of the State Governments. Therefore, the efforts made to contain the damage done by alcoholism vary from state to state. Apart from this, clinical care, building awareness, counseling and rehabilitation is made available through de-addiction centres and counseling centres run/funded by the Government.This information was given by the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Panabaaka Lakshmi in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.