The survivors of the worst ever hooch tragedy in the history of Assam, which has claimed more than 150 lives, are now fighting with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Currently, three victims of the alcohol poisoning, who are under treatment at Swahid Kushal Konwar Civil Hospital here, are showing withdrawal symptoms and their relatives are forced to tie them with their beds as they are showing violent behaviours.
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“This syndrome occurs when a chronic drinker suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake. After the recent tragedy, there is a crackdown against spurious liquor. So, we are getting many patients who are showing withdrawal syndrome as they are not able to have their daily doses of alcohol,” said Uttam Dutta, superintendent of SKK civil hospital here.
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Symptoms may occur from two hours to four days after stopping alcohol. The patient experiences a combination of physical and emotional symptoms, from mild anxiety and fatigue to nausea, Dutta said.
Adding further, he said that the treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome depends on the severity of the condition.
“With proper care and support from the family, members the patients can overcome this syndrome. For more severe cases there are a number of medical diagnoses,” the superintendent of SKK civil hospital said.
Most of the victims in the recent hooch tragedy are from the tea garden areas.
Last year also, in Doyang and Wokha tea estate of the district, 25 tea garden labourers lost their lives.