Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Apr 2: During the first week of the lockdown period, 11 liquor addicts from the twin-districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada committed suicide due to psychological problems they encountered from non-availability of liquor.
The lockdown imposed on the populace as a measure to negate coronavirus advances has been giving rise to several side effects. Taking note of this serious problem, the district administration here, in association with psychiatrists has taken the initiative to provide counselling services along with telemedicine. Treatment for psychological issues arising out of liquor withdrawal is being provided at the district government hospital of Ajjarkad and the department of psychiatry in the office of the district health and family welfare officer here. It is learnt that in case of simple withdrawal, the symptoms can be treated in three to four days while in complicated withdrawal cases, the patients have to get admitted into the hospital.
The psychiatrists warn that if people overlook the problems suffered by liquor addicts, it can give rise to suicides. Deputy commissioner of the district G Jagadeesh said that if the families of liquor addicts contact the district administration, arrangements will be made to provide treatment along with personal counselling.