Students & liquor

Stats paint disturbing picture in Goa; it’s time to draw the line

| APRIL 30, 2018, 02:55 AM IST

A recent study conducted by an Assistant Professor at the GMC on ‘Alcohol consumption and level of awareness among undergraduate college students in Goa’ revealed disturbing statistics. Over one-third of undergraduate students in urban colleges in the State have admitted to consuming alcohol and almost half were introduced to alcohol by friends while one fourth of them took the cue from the family.   

Interestingly, prevalence of alcohol consumption was as high as 31.08 per cent among females as compared to 39.18 per cent males. This takes us down memory lane when chief minister Manohar Parrikar was virtually hounded over his remark expressing concern over number of girls taking up beer.

Goans were accustomed to booze since times immemorial. There were whiskeys, home grown Caju feni and there were beers. In recent times we have seen an array of alcoholic beverages flooding the market catering to individual tastes and preferences. Let’s not forget the flavoured drinks that have been easy pickings for youth, especially students. We hear of drinks conveniently disguised even in water bottles. That may be an old trick, with some students now involving in substance abuse around campuses.

The most common reason for drinking according to the survey was for fun and to relieve stress. Nearly one-fifth got into an argument or fight after consuming alcohol and 16.17% missed a lecture either to drink or due to hangover. Alcohol use or abuse becomes one of the issues that has been plaguing the society and needs immediate redressal.  

Goa is a tourist state known more for its beaches and free flow of liquor. Blaming it on the culture of the State and the government or holding the educational institutes responsible is not going to help. Rather, this is the time when all stakeholders, including parents to come out with practical solutions.

Innovative youth-friendly interventions may be tried. Professional counseling is an absolute necessity. Awareness programmes on the lines of those conducted in schools have to be continued in colleges too. It is shocking to hear that even college students are not aware of the consequences and life-dangers of alcohol consumption. Over half of the students in the study reported that they were never educated about the hazards of alcohol consumption. This is where counseling can help in a big way, not only in warding off the habit but guiding youngsters out of an addiction. According to the study 17.67% expressed a desire to quit alcohol, while 45.77% felt it was difficult to quit the drinking habit. 

Charity begins at home. Parents, who can be the best counselors for their children, mostly prefer to remain in denial mode. This needs to change. They must win the confidence of their children and chose to be their counselor and guide. It is only when children are detached from their parents that they move towards their peers for comfort and this is where habits are formed. 

The trends are very disturbing and youth taking to drinking will hurt Goa in the near future. The danger signs are clearly visible now, whether it is drinking at campuses or overindulging at social events. Life-threatening situations encountered from time to time, including the several drunken driving accidents, give us that shrill reminder that we as a State should draw the line and act fast.

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