Present scenario of policies & hazards related to alcohol in India

Although the use of various psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis and opioids has been observed in India for centuries. Use of psychoactive substances impacts on academic, social, psychological, economical and physiological development of people with their families negatively. Alcoholic beverages are the most important product of global addiction demand, which is a reason of many deaths and diseases worldwide. Alcohol consumption is a major problem in India because of the various reasons like socio-cultural, difference in alcohol policies and practices state wise, lack of awareness of alcohol related problems, false mass media propaganda, various patterns of alcohol consumption and as a symbol of status both in urban and rural areas across the country. As per people’s opinion, they consumes it because it induces feeling of relaxation and tranquility, suppress anxiety and increases confidence. However with increasing dose, pleasant euphoric starts which means they feels that they are in heaven and that gives way to feelings of depression. That’s why this is called as substance of abuse. This review article focuses on ethyl alcohol (alcohol),its pharmacology,policies in India, different patterns of drinking, prevalence of alcohol consumption globally and nationally, medical and other consequences like suicide and road accidents, harmful effects on the mental, physical and social health with treatment options for alcoholism.