Skip to main content

Mental health services are missing in Kerala ? People are turning to liquor....

As Kerala reels under floods, a new report has emerged that Keralites consumed liquor worth over Rs 500 crore in around 10-day period since rain started pouring in the state and caused massive destruction.


According to ibtimes report,  the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) released data stating that the total sale of liquor and beer stood at Rs 516 crore within the time period starting from Independence day August 15) to Onam (August 26).

Unattended grief and loss makes a person vulnerable and may turn him or her to self medication. Use of alcohol or other substance increase after disaster like flood ,earthquake etc. in order to deal with emotional pain. It is important to understand that alcohol intensify emotional experience  negatively and delay grief process. Nada India urges government and civil society to provide barrier free mental health services as other relief work is on.


"Other risk factors can raise the chance for substance abuse during the grieving process. For example, a person with a history of anxiety, depression, previous addiction, or a lack of social support is more prone to turn to alcohol or drugs to cope after a loved one’s death. Those with a family history of alcoholism or drug addiction may be more vulnerable as well." 
Kerala witnessed one of the worst flood situations in a century. Over 3.26 lakh people are still in relief camps across Kerala even after a fortnight of the devastating deluge that left a trail of destruction claiming 322 lives and rendering thousands homeless. With rehabilitation measures on, the government said an immediate relief of Rs 10,000 would be disbursed soon to the flood-affected.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday urged all Malayalis to donate one month salary to rebuild the state.

In many districts, people have started moving from camps to their homes after cleaning work has been completed. The receding flood waters had left mounds of mud and debris in their homes and surroundings.

As Kerala struggles to stand on her feet, water logging of homes in various places, especially in Kuttanad region of the worst-hit Alapuzha district continues to be a worrying factor.

Huge pumps will be used to flush out water from homes and premises, after which the cleaning process will be taken up by removing the accumulated silt, authorities said.

Vijayan, who had accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during the aerial surveys, said they were touched by the intensity of the devastation and he hoped that the Centre would provide more funds.

The Prime Minister assured the Governor that Kerala would get more central funds from the National Disaster Response Fund as per laid down procedure and that the Rs 600 crore central aid released so far was only the advance assistance.

As on date a total of 10 Columns and 12 Engineer Task Force of the Army are carrying out continuous rescue and relief operations in the area.

The troops are involved in road opening, clearing of landslides and construction of temporary bridges, utilising the natural resources available in the area.

So far approximately 26 temporary bridges have been constructed, repaired and approximately 50 roads cleared for the general public, a defence press release said.

At least 3.64 lakh carcasses of birds and over 17,000 of big animals have been retrieved and buried so far.
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-in-kerala-liquor-sales-go-up-to-rs-500-crore-during-10-days-of-century-s-worst-flood-2656006

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Bollywood Actor Challenges Liquor Legislation

Bollywood Actor Challenges Liquor Legislation NTDTV In an effort to discourage youngsters from consuming alcohol, the provincial government of India 's western Maharashtra state this June increased the legal age limit from 21 to 25. Khan calls this act of state government an infringement of individual ... < http://english.ntdtv.com/ntd t v_en/news_asia/2011-09-15/bol l ywood-actor-challenges-liquor - legislation.html >

Ban alcohol advertising and products: NGOs

India News By IANS, New Delhi: A new report by a group of NGOs Tuesday highlighted the ill-effects of advertising and marketing of alcohol on young people, and proposed a comprehensive ban on all kinds of marketing strategies that seek to portray drinking as normal. "To reduce alcohol consumption, it is very important that the governments enforce a comprehensive ban on all kinds of advertising of alcohol brands and products. "A separate government agency should be formed to monitor this ban," said the report titled "Alcohol Marketing and Regulatory Policy Environment in India" released here. The report was developed by the Public Health Foundation of India in collaboration with Delhi-based NGO Hriday and Swedish National Institute of Public Health. Monika Arora, director of the health promotions unit of Public Health Foundation of India blamed advertising for promoting the use of alcohol among youth. "It has been seen that children wh...

Breaking the Cycle: Helping Friends Quit Weed by Siya Nada volunteer from Shimla

"Empowering Youth: Building Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions through Community Profiling,"  Siya Chohan student of UPES, Dehradoon  and Nada Volunteer    In our late teens, while my friends turned to smoking weed, I stood firm in my decision to abstain. Despite their respect for my choice, I couldn't ignore the toll weed was taking on their health and behavior. Concerned by their growing lethargy and detachment, I took a stand and voiced my worries. Thankfully, they listened, and together, we sought out healthier alternatives like hiking and sports to replace their weed habit. Through open conversations and professional support, we navigated a challenging journey marked by relapses and doubts, but ultimately, persistence led to their recovery. This experience taught me the value of compassion and perseverance in helping others overcome addiction, and it deepened my commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.  Reflecting on today's Youth Forum, led by Mr. Shabab A...