Some statistics on alcohol-related deaths in India
- Overall Deaths Due to Alcohol Use: According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, alcohol use was responsible for over 580,000 deaths in India in 2019. These deaths include those caused by liver cirrhosis, alcohol poisoning, and accidents due to drunk driving.
- Road Traffic Deaths: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that alcohol is a significant factor in road traffic deaths in India. Approximately 30% of all road traffic deaths in India involve alcohol consumption.
- Liver Disease: Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver disease in India. The Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL) notes that alcoholic liver disease accounts for 20% to 40% of all liver disease cases in the country.
- Alcohol Poisoning: Acute alcohol poisoning is a frequent cause of death, particularly in rural areas. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were around 1,000 deaths due to alcohol poisoning annually in recent years.
- Economic Impact: The economic losses due to alcohol consumption are significant. The WHO estimates that these losses amount to more than 1% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This includes health care costs, lost productivity, and law enforcement expenses.
- Youth and Alcohol: A study published in The Lancet noted that alcohol consumption among Indian youth has been increasing, with about 11% of male and 1% of female adolescents reported to consume alcohol. This demographic is at higher risk for alcohol-related deaths due to accidents and long-term health issues.
- Regional Variations: States with higher alcohol consumption rates, such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, report higher incidences of alcohol-related deaths. In contrast, states with stricter alcohol regulations, such as Gujarat and Bihar, have lower rates.
- Hospital Admissions: Data from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) indicate that alcohol-related disorders account for a substantial proportion of hospital admissions in psychiatry and general medicine wards.
These statistics underscore the significant public health challenge posed by alcohol consumption in India and highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to address this growing crisis.