In order to curb the menace of alcoholism among different sections of society, the state Prohibition and Excise department has launched ‘Jagruthi’, a de-addiction drive across the state. The drive includes a range of initiatives such as awareness camps in towns, counselling sessions to the victims along with cultural activities.
Officials said that Prohibition and Excise staff, the medical and health department as well as psychologists will work together to combat alcoholism in the state.
Minister for Prohibition and Excise KS Jawahar who unveiled the Jagruthi programme wall poster at Vijayawada Excise office said, "to make people aware that the excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful, from now there will be awareness camps in each Excise Police Station and counselling camps in districts on Saturdays. De-addiction centres will be set up in each revenue division limit".
Excise Department State Commissioner Mukhesh Kumar Meena, whose behind the 'Jagruthi' programme, said that they will especially involve youth in awareness camps at 208 Excise police stations.
The Additional Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise will be acting as the nodal officer for the programme.
Mukhesh Kumar said that a team of officials has been sent to Kerala and Punjab to study the functioning and management of the de-addiction centres there and following the report, a proposal will be prepared for approval of the government.
The Jagruthi programme will reach out to victims to make them aware of the ill-effects of consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants and to discourage the habit.
Dr Indla Ramasubba Reddy, noted psychiatrist from Vijayawada while welcoming the decision to launch the Jagruthi programme, feels that it should have been initiated long back.
"The success of such programmes will depend on the commitment of the government and officials. The government should include external stakeholders who are working on the same cause so that it would give some broader focus on the issue,” he said.
Reddy added that awareness camps would help the parents and family members know that alcoholism is a mental health issue and can be cured through proper treatment.