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This study, conducted by Dr. Kahuka Sema and Staff- Family Health Clinic, aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol use disorder in Nagaland.Total Subjects: 918 (250 families)
The study categorised the subjects into three groups:
1. Non-drinkers.
2. Occasional drinkers -- individuals who consume alcohol at least once a month or few times a year.
3. Regular drinkers or occasional drinkers with some alcohol-related social or health issues.
Findings
• Percentage of drinkers: 34%
What this means- almost every third adult drinks.
• Drinkers with health or social issues: 16%
What this means- up to 2 in 10 drinkers have social or health issues.
• Average number of drinkers per family: Up to 80% of families has at least one member who drinks either occasionally or regularly.
What this means- almost every family has at least one member who drinks occasionally.
What this study reveals
The study indicates an increase in the number of social or occasional drinkers over the past few years. With the potential of lifting of the NLTP ACT, if lifted, it is likely that the number of social and occasional drinkers will continue to rise, potentially outpacing the marginal increase in social and physical consequences.
Conversely, if the NLTP Act remains in place and strict enforcement is implemented, it is likely that the number of social and physical consequences will increase significantly.
This presents a complex dilemma that warrants careful consideration and action.
MY OPINION: As our state’s current position regarding the NLTP Act exemplifies a classic situation in a grey area, a definitive yes or no answer is not feasible. Both parties should be willing to take some risks and either lift the restrictions or enforce them strictly once and for all. Although not an easy task, it can be done with conditions. These conditions should be discussed with representatives from the Church, civil society organisations, student bodies, medical authorities, and law enforcement agencies.
Dr. Kahuka Sema
Family Health Clinic
Hospital Dimapur