Consuming alcohol has unfortunately become a mania among the youth. Despite the knowledge of the ill effects caused by it, they continue to fall a prey to this dreaded habit. Even though many awareness campaigns are conducted, free few pay attention to it. One such campaign was conducted by Madras School of Social Work recently at its premises.

�Vidiyal�-a forum for the youth empowerment by the Department of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) conducted a signature campaign against alcohol. Around 150 students of BSW took part in the campaign. It was inaugurated by A. Narayanan, Convener, People Against Alcohol, Drug Abuse& Merchandise (PAADAM).

He said that last year, the number of deaths in road accidents in Tamil Nadu was around 12,500. Drunken driving is the major reason for road accidents. Around 60% of the road accidents are caused due to drunken driving, he said.

Alcoholism also causes premature death among construction workers. Other than the various health problems caused by alcohol consumption, Narayanan discussed its various harmful effects including diseases like AIDS, Cancer and Tuberculosis. He narrated the problems faced by the family members of an alcohol addict and the society as a whole.

The various modes of treatment for helping the addicts including counselling, medical aids, rehabilitation centres and alcohol anonymous were also explained in detail.

Unfortunately, compared to the US, he said that while the number of persons consuming alcohol is coming down there, the same is on the increase in India.

Regarding the role of Government, Narayanan said, �Government's claim of revenue from alcohol is a big hoax. There can never be revenue to Government from alcohol because the cost of treatment�and social costs far outweigh the imaginary revenue benefits�.

�Alcohol is the basic reason for all the evils of the society�, he added and stated that it is a demon, which should be destroyed by the social activists.

U. Bakialakshmi