Arunachal Pradesh Tops India in Alcohol Consumption, Himachal Leads in the North: NFHS Report
Arunachal Pradesh has recorded the highest prevalence of alcohol consumption in India, according to the latest findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) for 2023-24. The survey also identified Himachal Pradesh as the leading state in northern India in terms of alcohol consumption.
The report revealed that 52.7 per cent of men in Arunachal Pradesh consume alcohol, making it the highest in the country. However, the figure has declined from 62.6 per cent recorded in the NFHS-5 survey conducted in 2019-21.
Among women, Arunachal Pradesh also reported the highest rate of alcohol consumption at 23.2 per cent, though this too marked a decline from 24.2 per cent in the previous survey.
Other states with high alcohol consumption among men include Telangana (43.3 per cent), Sikkim (39.8 per cent), Goa (36.9 per cent) and Manipur (33.75 per cent).
Experts noted that alcohol consumption patterns vary across regions due to cultural practices, social traditions and lifestyle factors. In several northeastern states, alcohol consumption is often associated with community gatherings, festivals and social events.
The survey found that Telangana ranked second nationally in male alcohol consumption. In Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, people also reported relatively high levels of alcohol use compared to many other northern states.
The report further highlighted that alcohol consumption among men in India stood at 20.5 per cent in 2023-24, compared to 22.7 per cent in 2019-21, indicating a modest decline at the national level.
Among women, alcohol consumption at the national level remained relatively low at 0.7 per cent. However, certain states and Union Territories recorded significantly higher rates. Puducherry reported the highest prevalence among women at 5.1 per cent, followed by Lakshadweep and Arunachal Pradesh.
The survey also examined tobacco consumption patterns. Mizoram recorded the highest tobacco use among both men and women, with 73.6 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women reporting tobacco consumption.
Health experts said lifestyle-related factors continue to play a major role in alcohol and tobacco use patterns across the country. They emphasized the need for greater awareness and public health interventions to reduce the harmful effects associated with substance use.