Reopening of Tasmac shops: Those who quit drinking will hit the bottle, say docs

TNN | May 6, 2020, 04.29 AM IST

Trichy: As Tasmac wine shops were scheduled to reopen on Thursday after more than 40 days, psychiatrists and psychologists are apprehensive about the possible return of alcoholism among those who quit drinking. They also suggested initiating psychological intervention to reduce the number of addicts in the state.

Since the beginning of the lockdown on March 25, there was a call for psychological intervention for addicts who suffer from withdrawal symptoms of pneumonia, violence, aggression, trembling, nausea, vomiting, headache, restlessness and agitation. In the past 40 plus days, some of the de-addiction centres have come across such cases. Psychologist S Muthukumar of Sunrise De-addiction Centre in Trichy said his centre received 40 such cases during the lockdown. “My apprehension is not about the alcohol addicts because they have high chances of taking alcohol again. The concern is that social drinkers may become addicts after the reopening of liquor shops,” he said.

Quoting surveys, Muthukumar said that the society has 40 % of social drinkers and 5% of dependants. “Social drinkers would have a craving for drinks,” he said.

Director of Athma Hospitals, Trichy, Dr K Ramakrishnan said that their centre witnessed very few number of alcohol dependants with withdrawal symptoms during the lockdown. He was of the view that the availability of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) in black market at exorbitant rate and the illicit arrack kept the alcohol dependants high even during the lockdown. “As a psychiatrist, I would prefer total prohibition. If they reopen it, they should restrict the consumption by rationing method,” said Dr Ramakrishnan.

Psychiatrist of district mental health program Dr PT Krishnamoorthy of Trichy said, “We have not seen new case of addicts showing withdrawal symptoms. It may be because of stocking up of liquor. Some may take over the counter medication,” he said. Stating that any habit can be overcome if it is controlled for 21 days, clinical psychologist D Randeep Rajkumar said that those with personality disorder would easily give up their willpower and again start drinking.

He also put the onus on the state government for the rehabilitation of the alcohol addicts. “While lifting the ban on liquor sale, the government should also give importance for psychological intervention to those on the brink of quitting their addiction. They should create the facility at government hospitals and encourage counsellors on rehabilitation activities,” said Randeep.