'Great opportunity for addicts to quit alcohol during lockdown'

Explaining that those experiencing withdrawal would have overcome that phase by now, psychiatrist Dr Jagadish appealed to addicts to use this lockdown period as it is a great opportunity to quit alcohol.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): With all liquor stores shut owing to the 21-day nationwide lockdown, it is a great opportunity for addicts to quit consumption of alcohol, a psychiatrist said here on Wednesday.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Dr Jagadish, who has been dealing with addiction problems for over three decades, said that in India, one in five males, and one in 20 females is addicted to alcohol. He said that with such a high number of people who consume alcohol, chances are high that at least 10-12 per cent of them can get addicted to alcohol.

However, he opined that the ongoing lockdown, wherein all liquor stores are shut, can be a great opportunity for addicts to give up alcohol.

He explained that most addicts show withdrawal symptoms within 24 to 96 hours, and rarely does it extend to a maximum period of a week. Now that it has been two weeks since the lockdown was enforced, Jagadish said that many would have overcome withdrawal by now.

"Some might have stocked up on alcohol. It is a great opportunity for them to quit drinking," he said.

Jagadish added that those past the withdrawal stage will now realise that without alcohol, they are experiencing improved appetite and sleep, and are even better at communicating with their loved ones.

He further explained that typically, withdrawal symptoms include tremors, sweating, sleeplessness, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, disorientation, hearing voices, and experiencing seizures.

Read:Alcohol addicts having a tough time during lockdown