Sharab Ka Theka : The Hidden Cost Of Alcohol

 An elderly man seeking educational sponsorship for his three granddaughters; a mother requesting help to secure her daughter’s admission in a nearby school; an older woman searching for additional work as a cook; and a middle-aged woman struggling to find a stable job to sustain her family.

While their situations may appear different, they share a painful common reality—the sole earning member of each of their families passed away due to complications arising from excessive alcohol consumption.

During one of my community visits to an urban slum in Pune, I witnessed another alarming incident. A man had misbehaved with his wife the previous evening while intoxicated. When I visited their home the following morning, he was filled with remorse. He broke down and said, “Sir, pata nahin kya ho jaata hai peeke” (I don’t know what happens to me when I am drunk).
This moment reflected a deeper truth—alcohol not only harms individuals but also destabilizes entire families.

During the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government allowed liquor shops to reopen in several states during the lockdown. This decision was largely driven by the need to generate revenue to fund relief measures and support economic recovery.

As soon as restrictions were lifted, long queues formed outside liquor shops across cities—some reportedly stretching over 2 kilometres. People began lining up as early as 6 AM to ensure they could purchase alcohol before stocks ran out. Media outlets extensively covered these scenes, highlighting the paradox of people eagerly queuing for alcohol during a health crisis.

There were numerous reports of individuals purchasing alcohol worth thousands of rupees, with one bill exceeding ₹50,000 going viral on social media. This raised an important question: What makes alcohol so irresistible, even in times of crisis?

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Understanding the Appeal of Alcohol

The fascination with alcohol is not new—it dates to ancient civilizations. However, in modern times, its easy accessibility and relative affordability have significantly expanded its reach.

Across India, “desi sharab ka theka” (licensed liquor shops) serve as accessible points for purchasing inexpensive alcohol. These shops cater to individuals across income groups, particularly daily wage workers, rickshaw pullers, and others from low-income backgrounds.

Despite regulatory norms—such as maintaining distance from schools or adhering to operating hours—these rules are often overlooked in practice.

Every evening, one can observe people spending a significant portion of their daily earnings on alcohol. For many, it becomes a routine—returning from work, purchasing liquor, consuming it at home, and often engaging in arguments or abusive behaviour before falling asleep under its influence. Sadly, this is a common reality in many economically marginalized households.

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Impact of Alcohol on Society

While liquor sales contribute significantly to state revenues, the broader consequences are deeply concerning.

1. Economic Impact

Alcohol consumption often leads to financial instability, especially among lower-income households. A substantial portion of earnings is spent on alcohol, leaving limited resources for necessities such as food, education, and healthcare.

In many cases, individuals borrow money from local lenders to sustain their addiction, pushing families into cycles of debt. Chronic alcohol consumption also reduces workplace productivity, sometimes resulting in job loss.

In urban slums, it is not uncommon to find families burdened by debt primarily due to alcohol dependency.

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2. Social and Community Impact

Alcohol is a significant contributor to social problems, including domestic violence and crime. It often acts as a trigger for abusive behaviour toward women and children.

Many women in India have normalized such behaviour, saying, “Yeh sharab peeke aise hi karte hain” (He behaves this way after drinking). Parents frequently warn their daughters to avoid routes near liquor shops due to safety concerns.

Communities near such establishments often experience increased incidents of harassment, disorderly conduct, and violence. Alcohol also weakens family relationships, leading to marital conflicts, social isolation, and emotional distress.

Furthermore, alcohol consumption is linked to increased road accidents and fatalities, as well as a higher likelihood of involvement in criminal activities.

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3. Health Impact

The adverse health effects of alcohol are well-documented. Prolonged consumption can lead to severe conditions such as liver cirrhosis, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

However, addiction often overrides awareness of these risks. For many individuals, alcohol becomes a central part of their lives.

Through my experience in community service, I have witnessed families completely devastated by alcoholism. When the primary earning member dies due to alcohol-related causes, the entire family suffers—financially, socially, and emotionally.

I recall one heartbreaking incident where my cook shared that her only son passed away at the age of 33 due to alcohol addiction. Such stories are unfortunately common, especially in low-income communities that are more exposed to cheap and sometimes unsafe liquor.

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Socioeconomic Differences in Impact

While alcohol affects all income groups, its impact varies.

Higher-income individuals may be able to afford alcohol without compromising their basic needs, although health risks remain significant. Their consumption typically involves more expensive, regulated products and environments.

In contrast, lower-income families bear the most severe consequences. Alcohol consumption can push them deeper into poverty, create unstable household environments, and limit opportunities for children.

Interestingly, in cases like drunk driving, higher-income groups often show a greater incidence due to increased access to vehicles and social drinking environments.

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Cultural and Workplace Influences

Alcohol is sometimes used strategically by contractors to maintain loyalty among labourers. Workers often say, “Humne khareed ke nahin pee, malik ne pila di” (We didn’t buy it; our employer gave it to us).

Additionally, alcohol consumption has become normalized in corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings. While this reflects changing social attitudes, the deeper issue lies in its harmful effects on vulnerable populations.

Repeated incidents of deaths due to spurious or low-quality liquor highlight the need for stricter regulation and enforcement.

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The Way Forward

India has taken some steps, such as imposing alcohol bans in certain states, age restrictions on the consumption of alcohol and establishing rehabilitation centers. However, these measures alone are not enough.

There is a critical need for:

• Increased awareness and education about alcohol addiction
• Early identification of harmful consumption patterns
• Community-level interventions and support systems
• Stronger regulation of illegal and unsafe liquor

Most importantly, individuals must recognize the thin line between occasional consumption and addiction—and take steps to reverse course before it is too late.

As the saying goes:
“There is no friend like a bottle—but it can become your worst enemy.”

Alcohol may offer temporary escape, but its long-term consequences can devastate families, communities, and future generations. Recognizing this reality is the first step toward meaningful change.

Inspired by true events. 

Regards
Live For The Nation