Alcohol consumption in India has long been influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. The latest National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data provides an updated perspective on drinking patterns in the country. While the overall number of alcohol consumers has declined slightly, regional and demographic differences paint a more nuanced picture.
Alcohol Consumption Trends in India
The NFHS-5 report highlights that:
- 1% of women and 19% of men aged 15 and above consume alcohol.
- This marks a slight drop from NFHS-4, where 1.2% of women and 29.2% of men reported drinking.
Regional Patterns: States with High and Low Alcohol Consumption
- States with Higher Alcohol Consumption:
- Arunachal Pradesh has the highest percentage, with 53% of men consuming alcohol.
- Telangana follows closely at 43%, and Sikkim at 39%.
- States with Minimal Alcohol Consumption:
- Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Lakshadweep report the lowest drinking rates, with fewer than 1% of men consuming alcohol, largely due to prohibition laws and cultural influences.
Demographic and Social Influences on Alcohol Consumption
- Community-Based Trends:
- The highest alcohol consumption is recorded among Scheduled Tribes (33%), followed by Scheduled Castes (24%) and Other Backward Classes (20%).
- Urban vs. Rural Drinking Habits:
- More men in rural areas (20%) consume alcohol compared to urban areas (16%), indicating possible differences in lifestyle, social norms, and availability.
Summing Up
The survey data suggests a gradual decline in alcohol consumption among men, while the percentage of women drinkers remains almost unchanged. However, significant regional and social variations highlight the role of cultural traditions, economic conditions, and government regulations in shaping drinking habits. These insights can help frame more effective policies for alcohol regulation and public health initiatives.
