Lack of liquor can boost abstinence, says a survey

Thiruvananthapuram:  Not a drop of booze to come by during lockdown helps encourage abstinence, says a survey by Capsule Kerala, an initiative by Kerala Sastrasahitya parishad. The 44 percent of surveyed said that they had not looked for alcohol.

The major findings of this breakthrough survey include:       

·         83 percent said that the time spent at home without alcohol improved home environs; children became happier, while 73 percent found lockdown difficult.

·         A 13 percent is ready to give up alcohol having been influenced by lockdown and increasing cost of living. However 49.7 percent is waiting for the liquor shops to open.

·         During the lockdown, 65 percent did not get alcohol and of them, 44 percent did not try for alcohol. They had no withdrawal symptoms.

·         Non-availability of alcohol bettered the home environs, making financial situation more secure. Non-regular drinkers helped with home chores and they didn’t reportedly commit domestic violence.

·         Lack of alcohol triggered insomnia, shivering of fingers, and quick temper in many.

·         Post lockdown, above 50 percent of tipplers are expected to behave better, and they might cut down on their consumption too. Continuous support could help them control the habit.

148 people from various places in Thiruvananthapurma took part in the survey, and in order to assess changes in the family situation, 18 women were also surveyed.