Curb surrogate advertisements in public interest
Ihaven’t read the study yet, so I cannot comment on it directly, but the findings are certainly interesting.They are different from previous conclusions on the same subject and studies done in the West. For youngsters, I would advise them not to drink before the age of 21. Later if they do so they must do it responsibly. Binge drinking is one of the leading causes of health problems in that age group.
Indians are genetically prone to contracting heart diseases, more than Caucasians. I cannot say for certain, but it is probable that alcohol abuse is rampant among young professionals and youngsters due to rising stress levels in academics or profession. Yes, without doubt surrogate advertisements of alcohol should be banned, since they generate curiosity.
Dr Ashish Contractor, cardiac rehabilitation, Asian Heart Institute
Early consumption can lead to problems later
For decades, alcohol has been considered bad for the heart. It’s linked to high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and heart attacks. To start with, people with heart disease and high blood pressure are always counselled to abstain completely.
Contrdictory studies
I strongly feel that alcohol is harmful for the heart, but some researchers think differently. For example the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that red wine is good for the heart. Indians are more likely to develop premature heart disease, get strokes at an earlier age and develop ailments due to their genetic predisposition and a multitude of lifestyle hazards.
Genetic makeup
Genetic factors include: high lipoprotein levels, elevated triglyceride levels and lower levels of HDL (healthy) cholesterol. Indians are also more prone to having abdominal obesity, diabetes, fat rich diet and starch which can increase the risk of developing heart problems.
Abuse among youth
In India, over 8.5 million people— about one in every 20 adults — abuse alcohol. Abuse is common among people between the age group 18 - 29. We also know that people who start drinking at an early age, for example, at the age 14 are at a much higher risk of developing problems as compared to someone who starts drinking at 21. Self restrain and awareness can help reduce alcohol abuse in the young generation. In our country, the doctor-patient ratio is 1 to 2310, the health services are focused on providing essential healthcare and immunisation. When the issue of alcohol consumption arises, the answer is ‘Don't drink’. For an average Indian, abstinence in not a matter of choice, but an
imperative.
Dr Sunita Dube, Aryan Group of Hospitals
Most feel a mere peg will do no harm
I didn’t know that Indians are at a greater risk due to their genetic disposition. But I think due to stress, the intake of alcohol is rampant among young professionals and youngsters. People forget that stress can be dealt by other ways like jogging, yoga, exercising and unwinding with friends. Today, consuming alcohol has become more of a lifestyle for most youngsters. If people want to drink they will continue since there will be no stopping them from imbuing liquor. Advertisements might tempt people but it’s mostly peer pressure and ‘social drinking’ which leads one to alcoholism. Some tiplers tell others that a small peg won’t do much harm, in this way they hook them on to the vice slowly. Therefore, we must address the ill effects of binge drinking.Steven Pereira, senior consultant
Don’t think liquor ads are an issue
I know that genetic traits make us prone to side effects of alcohol abuse. People should be educated about ill effects of alcohol. Alcohol abuse is a problem among young professionals but stress has little part to play. Due to increasing incomes, some revel in consuming it. But they are unaware about how to drink responsibly and hence resort to over indulgence. There is an element of social sanction which is responsible for binge drinking and youngsters should be educated about how to deal with consumption. Generally, I have seen people consuming alcohol which is not being advertised and hence surrogate advertisements are not a big issue. Prohibition will not yield much results, but spreading awareness about the consequences will reap dividends for the Indian society.
Harish Warrier, manager
Vice is associated with a cool image
It has always been said that addiction leads to abnormality. I never got motivated to consume liquor. I consider the correlation between alcohol consumption and stress or peer pressure is a convenient excuse for those who want to try it. Most people I have known, either get a kick out of consuming it or think they are macho and ‘cool’. Falling prey to the vice adds to more stress, since people suffering from addiction avoid social interaction. As for the advertisements, they never harm anyone and give a fair choice to the consumer. There are advertisements relating to education and health, then how come people only misinterpret promotion campaigns of alcoholic drinks and cigarettes. The conclusion is if one likes to drink, they should try to maintain a balance.
Abhishek Srivastava, company secretary
Once a taboo, it’s a lifestyle today
The ill-effects of consuming alcoholic beverages were known. I think that even a few pegs of alcohol can damage the liver, also result in duodenal ulcer and other issues too. But while blindly aping the Western culture, men and women alike have joined the bandwagon of guzzling liquor. This vice was looked down once upon a time. Now, to appear cool and due to peer pressure from the friends circle, people indulge in alcohol consumption knowing the consequences very well. Many feel a sense of liberation, since we belonged to a conservative society sometime in the recent past. There have been many incidents of drunken driving recently, as a result of which many lives have been lost. Something must be done to curb the vice, which was considered a taboo.
Hardhika Solanki, housewife
Youth need to be careful about indulgence
I’m unsure about the study, because it also depends on the quantity of alcohol consumed. We have been given to believe that anything consumed with restraint is fine. In fact during extremely cold climatic conditions, consumption of liquor is encouraged in Western countries. At the same time, youngsters need to be cautious since many times they tend to go overboard and don’t realise that abuse may have long term implications. Today alcohol is essential on the party circuit. However, if the study states that Indians are at higher risk due to their genetic disposition, then like smoking, there must be some awareness drives and campaigns against alcohol consumption as well.
Jignesh Gohil, student
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