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Alcohol consumption is a widespread social and cultural practice with significant health, economic, and societal implications. Globally, millions of people consume alcohol as part of traditions, celebrations, or recreational activities. While moderate alcohol consumption is often associated with certain social and even potential health benefits, excessive or prolonged use poses serious risks. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, cardiovascular problems, weakened immune function, and mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Moreover, heavy drinking is a major contributor to injuries, accidents, and violence, often exacerbating societal issues such as domestic abuse and crime. Among youth and young adults, binge drinking is a growing concern, particularly because it increases the risk of alcohol dependence, impaired judgment, and risky behaviour. Economically, alcohol consumption places a significant burden on healthcare systems and reduces productivity due to absenteeism and premature mortality. Despite its risks, alcohol remains a legal and highly accessible substance, regulated differently across countries.
The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) revealed a complex pattern of alcohol consumption across Indian states and Union Territories, highlighting significant gender disparities shaped by regional cultural norms and social attitudes. At the national level, there was a stark contrast between male consumption (18.7%) and female consumption (1.3%), reflecting a gender gap of 17.4 percentage points. This disparity underscored deeply entrenched socio-cultural norms that govern perceptions of gender-appropriate behaviour. The regional analysis showed distinct geographical patterns, particularly concerning female participation in alcohol consumption. Northeastern states emerged as notable exceptions to the national trend of minimal female alcohol consumption. For instance, Arunachal Pradesh reported the highest female consumption rate at 24.2%, followed by Sikkim at 16.2%. These figures continue to align with the historically permissive cultural attitudes in northeastern societies, where alcohol has traditionally been incorporated into social and ceremonial contexts.
The most pronounced gender disparities were found in Telangana, where the difference between male (43.4%) and female (6.7%) consumption reached 36.7 percentage points. In contrast, Arunachal Pradesh exhibited relatively more balanced consumption patterns, with male consumption at 52.6% and female consumption at 24.2%. This relative balance suggested the influence of cultural frameworks in the region that are more accepting of alcohol use among women compared to other parts of the country. Conversely, northern and central Indian states, along with Maharashtra (0.4%), Gujarat (0.6%), and Karnataka (0.9%), reported particularly low female consumption rates of less than 1%. These numbers reflected the strong influence of conservative social norms and the stigmatization of female alcohol consumption in these regions. Coastal regions, on the other hand, presented a contrast with more moderate gender gaps in alcohol consumption. Goa exemplified this trend, with female consumption at 5.5% and male consumption at 36.8%, reflecting a smaller gender disparity compared to inland states. This pattern can be attributed to coastal areas’ historical exposure to diverse cultural influences through maritime trade and tourism, fostering relatively permissive attitudes toward alcohol consumption across genders.
These findings underscore how alcohol consumption patterns in India remain deeply intertwined with regional cultural traditions, social modernization, and gender norms. The significant regional variations demonstrate the complex interplay between traditional values and evolving social attitudes. Understanding these patterns is essential for shaping culturally sensitive public health policies and addressing gender-based health disparities in India’s diverse socio-cultural landscape.
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