Mahatma Gandhi was the primary advocate of prohibition in India, considering alcohol a social evil that eroded individual and societal values. Despite his strong stance, prohibition remains a debated policy in the country. Presently, prohibition exists in Gujarat, Nagaland, parts of Manipur, and Lakshadweep. However, its effectiveness in curbing alcoholism remains questionable.
Gujarat: A Case Study in Prohibition
Gujarat has enforced prohibition since 1958, banning the manufacture, storage, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is the only Indian state where those responsible for fatalities caused by homemade liquor face the death penalty. Despite these strict laws, rampant alcoholism continues to be a major issue.
Smuggling and the illicit liquor trade thrive, with ‘Folder’—a local term—used to describe those who provide alcohol on demand. The neighboring Union Territory of Daman benefits from this demand, with Gujarat’s residents flocking there for alcohol. The black market thrives, and spurious liquor production leads to fatal consequences, as seen in the 2009 incident where 148 people lost their lives. These incidents suggest a nexus between bootleggers and authorities, raising concerns about enforcement.
Unlike Gujarat, other states with prohibition allow the production of local brews and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), leading to a different set of challenges.
Kerala’s Phased Approach to Prohibition
Kerala is gradually implementing prohibition, aiming for complete enforcement within the next decade. The liquor industry contributes 22% of the state’s revenue, making this transition economically challenging. As a first step, the government shut down 730 out of 752 bars, but price hikes have failed to deter alcohol consumption.
Alcoholism is deeply entrenched in Kerala’s culture, with liquor stores witnessing long queues from early morning. The state has the highest per capita alcohol consumption in India, with the drinking age dropping from 19 to just 13.5 years. Celebrations are incomplete without alcohol, and children grow up perceiving heavy drinking as normal. This societal acceptance worsens the cycle of addiction.
Public discourse on banning bars in villages and towns highlights a lack of awareness about addiction. Many believe that restricting availability will curb alcoholism, but addiction is a disease that requires a structured approach beyond prohibition.
The Failure of Prohibition and the Need for Awareness
The primary goal of prohibition is to curb alcoholism, yet the policy often results in unintended consequences. The consumption of spurious liquor, local brews, and even alternative intoxicants like perfumes and aftershaves rises. Addiction persists, sometimes in even more harmful forms.
Banning alcohol alone cannot eliminate alcoholism. Instead, there is an urgent need to educate people about addiction and its treatment. Awareness campaigns should be conducted in every village, town, and city to address the root cause of addiction and provide effective solutions.
The Role of Rehabilitation in Overcoming Addiction
For lasting recovery, addiction treatment must focus on the individual. A residential, non-medical facility is essential for treating addiction, as leaving it untreated can be fatal. Additionally, family members must undergo counseling to address co-dependency issues, as addiction affects entire households.
How Anatta Can Help
At Anatta Humanversity, we offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals struggling with addiction. Our personalized, holistic approach empowers individuals to regain control of their lives and break free from dependency.
If you or a loved one is battling addiction, help is available.
📞 Ms. Vandana Hiranandani – +91 9967334000
📞 Dr. Sujatha Nair – +91 9820330439
🌐 Website: www.anatta.in