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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Impact of alcohol on various adverse consequences is also determined by the pattern of consumption. Pattern of drinking from developing countries is an under-researched area. The present study aims to assess the pattern of drinking among nontreatment-seeking problem alcohol users from an urban slum in a metropolitan city of North India.
Methodology: Using a cross-sectional study design and employing the snowball method, 75 adult males with problem alcohol use were recruited and interviewed using questionnaire and standard instruments.
Results: The median duration of alcohol consumption was 12 (7, 21) years, 90% were drinking daily, 64% were morning drinkers and 92% reported heavy episodic drinking (HED). Three-fourth participants were in the high-risk category of alcohol use as assessed by WHO-ASSIST. One-third were spending 25–50% of their family income on alcohol. The most preferred alcohol beverage was country-made liquor (CML; 54.3%). Most alcohol users preferred drinking at home (58%), alone (67%), in evening or at night (80%).
Conclusion: Although many alcohol users consume alcohol in amounts much above the recommended levels, with high rates of HED, they are not on treatment for alcohol-use disorder. Their pattern of alcohol consumption is likely to place them at risk for alcohol-related harmful consequences.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.