Thursday, 22 June 2023 | Mansi Bhambri | DEHRADUN
A combination of factors like peer pressure, status symbol and independence are encouraging alcohol and drug consumption among women in the State. Experts point out that alcohol and drug consumption in the State has increased among women in the past few years. The consumption of alcohol and other harmful substances can mentally affect women. There are many cases where pregnant women consume alcohol and drugs, which results in a higher level of risk to the unborn child, stated experts.
Commenting on the increased rate of alcohol and drug consumption among the women in the State, clinical psychologist Mukul Sharma said, “In the past few years we have been consistently undertaking a drug and alcohol survey among men and women of Uttarakhand. During the survey, it was found that with the passage of time, the rate of alcohol and drug consumption among women has increased at an alarming rate. As compared to the year 2017, the rate of alcohol and drug consumption among women has increased by an average of 58 per cent in the year 2023.”
He further stated that cannabis is the most common substance consumed by women in the State. He claimed that there are various reasons which encourage women towards substance abuse. Peer pressure, social acceptance, independence and improper parenting are the main reasons for substance abuse among women, he added.
Neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta said, “It’s true that alcohol and drug consumption is now more common among the women in the State. I personally encountered many cases where parents were worried about the consumption of alcohol and drugs by their daughters. Gender equality, woman empowerment, and self-esteem issues are some common factors which encourage women towards substance abuse. Apart from this social media is a major reason which encourages women as well as men towards alcohol and drug consumption. Depression is the main adverse effect of alcohol and drug consumption among women.”
She further added that nowadays some women also consume alcohol at the time of their pregnancy. The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can be risky for the unborn child as it may at times increase the risk of abnormalities in the child, she added.
