With lockdown entering second week, withdrawal symptoms becoming rampant among alcoholic Malayalees 

​​​​​KOLLAM: As the foreign liquor shops in the state have been closed down due to the one week long lockdown, the Malayalee folks for whom alcohol is an inevitable part of their daily diet are suffering from serious withdrawal symptoms. Many are approaching different hospitals and medical colleges in the state, with severe withdrawal symptoms. Most of them belong to the age group between 35 and 65.

With the commencement of lockdown, many of the alcoholics were not able to go out which in turn have created detrimental impacts on their families.

From the third day of not getting alcohol, the withdrawal symptoms will become severe among these people. This time they will express different kinds of hysteria.

During the last lockdown when this led to further issues, the government even considered distributing alcohol to those who have a prescription from a physician. But following the high court’s intervention, this move was cancelled.

The symptoms are as follows:

1. Suicidal tendencies
2. Intense shivering, a feeling to lose balance
3. Aversion to food
4. Getting angry at family members
5. Attacking others
6. Unnatural behaviour

Solutions

1. Rehab treatment could be given to those who have minor symptoms
2. But such treatment won’t produce any change among chronic alcoholics
3. For them, a specific quantity of liquor should be given under the supervision of a doctor