A psycho-socio-cultural study on intoxications in rural Bihar of India

The objective of the present study is to find out the psychological, social and cultural factors influencing on alcoholic beverages, chewing tobacco and smoking in the village, as well as to study its availability in local markets based on the need of intoxicating things which are available. In the present study, the rsearch is carried in the study site named Menka village of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, India. Data are drawn from participant observation, semi-participatory observation, structured interview, open interview and case study method. The present research work is done by the qualitative method. Tea, cold drinks, zarda paan, cigarettes, gutkha, tari, bhang, modak, liquor, biri, ganja and charas are used in Maneka village. Cannabis, marijuana, caffeine, cola, nicotine and alcohol are commonly used by different age groups in the studied village. The results of the study indicate that the duration of dependence for intoxication is prolonged. In this period, addiction starts with lack of effort to improve personal life style, same age group circle, family members and excessive wealth. Later, the desire for pleasure leads to the use of much intoxication, increasing the quantity and many uses daily. This serious side effect of intoxication leads to family fragmentation, serious illness and leads to premature death. Liquor users buy at a range of higher price of alcohol due to the government ban. In sum of, narcotic materials are available in the market according to the demand of intoxication at the local level. Intoxications which are not in demand locally are not available in the market. Individuals purchase intoxicants according to their economic capability and dependence of intoxication.