Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, Feb 21: Goa is witnessing a worrying trend of rising alcohol-related health issues, with over 300 deaths annually due to liver cirrhosis. The Goa Medical College (GMC) records between 140 and 160 cases of chronic liver disease every month, highlighting the severity of alcohol abuse in the state.
What is even more alarming is the growing number of younger patients developing liver cirrhosis. GMC medical superintendent Dr Rajesh Patil noted that while earlier, patients in their 40s and 50s were commonly diagnosed with liver disease, today, cases are emerging in individuals as young as their 20s. This shift is in line with the declining age of alcohol initiation, which now stands between 12 and 14 years.
GMC reports that of its 300 monthly deaths, 30% are linked to alcoholism or alcohol-related incidents, including:
• Drunk driving accidents
• Alcohol-induced diseases like cancer, strokes, and kidney failure
• Alcohol-related violence and suicide cases
Experts stress the need for raising awareness about alcoholism, especially among students and the medical community.
"Alcoholism is a disease, not a disgrace, so we must keep talking about it," said Dr Ashish Deshpande, founder of the Centre for Mental Health Advocacy, Research and Treatment Services.
He emphasized that schools must play a crucial role in prevention, as future alcoholics are likely among students today. Evidence-based interventions in schools and a coordinated effort to educate society about alcohol abuse are essential.
• One-third of suicides in India occur under the influence of alcohol
• Two-thirds of domestic violence cases involve alcohol abuse
• 40% of workplace absenteeism is linked to alcohol consumption
• 80% of medical emergencies in government hospitals are alcohol-related
"One doesn’t have to be drinking and driving to land in a hospital. A person under the influence can knock down an innocent pedestrian, leading to the need for medical intervention," he added.
Dr Patil stressed the need for medical professionals to detect early warning signs of alcohol-related diseases.
"Doctors must closely examine lab reports that indicate alcoholism-related abnormalities and refer patients to the appropriate medical centers or psychiatrists for help," he said.
Experts believe that Goa’s approach to alcoholism needs to change, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.
"Preventive measures are more cost-effective than the massive expenses incurred on treatment," said Dr Deshpande, emphasizing that early intervention can speed up recovery and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities.
Since alcoholism is a chronic condition, relapses are common, making continuous treatment and community involvement crucial in tackling this growing public health crisis in Goa.