Biography
Biography: Neeraj Agrawal
Abstract
Background: Bihar government has implemented a total alcohol prohibition in state since April 2016. Alcohol de-addiction center
had been started in each district to tackle the problem of alcohol withdrawal. After prohibition, there were some reports of death and
withdrawal symptoms but it could not be verified by lay reporting. Govt. of Bihar has developed de-addiction centers in almost all
the district of state. However it seems that number of expected people could not turn up at these de-addiction centers. Apart from it,
there is reporting of alcohol availability in state despite ban, for details enquiry of this present study was planned by Department of
Community and Family Medicine (C&FM), AIIMS Patna, and State Health Society Bihar.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in three blocks of Purnea district namely Kasba, Jalalgarh and B Kothi. Total 1069
persons (spouse or near relative) of identified alcohol user were interviewed by trained field investigators in two weeks of data
collection period (25th July to 10th Aug, 2016). Data was collected by trained investigators using predesigned semi structured questionnaire.
Result: Majority of drinkers (64%) stopped taking alcohol after the ban and above 25% person shifted to other substance like Ganja
(Marijuana). Some persons (28%) are still getting alcohol from source like nearby locality or neighbor district. Most common
available type of alcohol is country made (Local, Desi) alcohol. Eighteen percent person suffered withdrawal symptom which was
treated by local non-medical doctor. Female/spouse of male was very happy after this ban as male gives their quality time and money
for wellbeing of homes.
Conclusion: The ban of alcohol is really a boon to poor family. It is further to be explored about the effect of ban on high class of
society and revenue of state.