The recent deadly accident in Janakpuri involving a 21-yerar-old drunk youth has again highlighted the dangers of irresponsible consumption of alcohol and its harmful effects especially on city’s youth.
According to experts, the increase in cases of irresponsible and high consumption of alcohol in the youth beyond the normal limit is not only causing harm to others in forms of accidents through drunken driving but also is affecting their own health adversely.
The recent survey by a private NGO shows that about 49.6 per cent males and 42.3 per cent females in the age group of 15-24 years had their first drink at the age of 13. The average weekly expenditure across all age categories on alcohol consumption ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. In highlighting the consumption pattern among juveniles, the survey reveals that 60.2 per cent males and 45.3 per cent females consume alcohol 2-3 times a week. Meanwhile, 57.6 per cent of the respondents in the age group of 25-34 feel its fine to drink and drive.
In mentioning the adverse effects of alcohol, Professor Nimesh Desai, Director Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) said: “Alcohol abuse especially among the young should be taken care of. The harm caused due to excessive alcohol consumption is similar to that of drug abuse.”