Alcohol Use in Northeast India: A Sociocultural Perspective

Abstract

The sociocultural background of Northeast India features a long-lasting connection to alcohol consumption. The traditional way of consumption of alcohol is part of the regional and cultural heritage and also it is ingrained in the social customs. This paper reviews alcohol use patterns in Northeast India by studying both cultural elements as well as societal factors that affect drinking practices and their subsequent social effects. Furthermore, the study investigates how socioeconomic factors like age, gender, caste, religion, employment, and livelihood influence drinking patterns. Understanding the effects of culturally responsive policy initiatives is a critical gap in research, especially in areas like data availability, public awareness, and policy enforcement. There is a dearth of research on the efficiency of current laws, the contribution of community involvement to alcohol management, and the availability of culturally sensitive intervention programs. This review guides researchers to safeguard public health while respecting the cultural traditions of Northeast India.