Experts differ on ‘drinking policy’

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As India gets ready to receive its first national alcohol and drug policy in the twelfth five year plan, it is hoped that persisting misconceptions and arguments related to moderate drinking will be addressed and put to rest.

There are strong voices that are saying that claims of benefits of moderate drinking are bogus and suit only the alcohol industry.

“These days, too much of bogus studies are widely circulated through the website and various other media to allure the drinkers or even the non-drinkers to taste that dark fluid which is projected to be a potion for good health,” said Dr Johnson J. Edayaranmula, the director of Alcohol and Drug Information Centre-India.

Dr Johnson denies that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing heart disease, strokes, gallstones or diabetes, saying that such propositions are based on fake studies by the liquor industry.

He said there has been 10 per cent drop in the alcohol market elsewhere including American, European and Mediterranean countries and while only few African countries along with India and China indicated 1-5% increase which accounts to millions of prospective drinkers.

A reputed cardiologist from Thiruvananthapuram on conditions of anonymity says “Less than 30 ml of alcohol within 4 days have been found to be a not-so harmful quantity. It’s anti clotting effects and properties to reduce coronary diseases have been proven. But once you taste it, you can’t help it from making it a habit. Hence, even in moderation, alcohol can never be suggested for improving one’s health.”

Dr Shanthi Ranganathan, the secretary of Indian Alcohol Policy, Chennai concurs.
“We have found that about twenty per cent of alcoholics began as a casual drinker,” she said.