Nellore: The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) is gearing up to establish a de-addiction centre at Pinakini Satyagraha (Gandhi) Ashram, which was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, at Pallipadu near Nellore city. One of the reasons for the move is the absence of any such centre in the region, in addition to the steady increase in the number of addicts going by the spurt in the annual sale of liquor.
Liquor worth Rs 1,000 crore was consumed in the district during 2016-17, as against Rs 955.44 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 894 crore in 2014-15. The IRCS has been successfully operating a blood bank, cancer hospital, spastic centre, HIV/AIDS clinic, naturopathy hospital and generic medical shop and the governing body has submitted a detailed project report titled ‘Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse and for Social Defence Services’ to the state unit to establish the centre.
The brain behind various social service activities of Nellore branch of IRCS, including the proposed de-addiction centre, Dr. A.V. Subhramanyam, has underlined the need for a de-addiction centre on war footing. He said at least 12 per cent of the population is consuming liquor in the district and at least 6 per cent of them are addicts. He said many youth were now addicted to alcohol and they are spending 50 per cent of their earnings on liquor.
He attributed the increase in the rate of domestic violence to liquor consumption while underlining the need for initiatives to contain the habit. Speaking to this newspaper, Dr. Subhramanyam said they want to treat alcoholics as well as those addicted to drugs such as codeine (cough syrup), alprazolam, ganja, LSD and injections such as pathedrine, fortwin and morphine etc. He said Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment would support the project if they are able to run for two years.
