7 states where women consume max amount of alcohol

India is the third-largest market in the world for alcoholic beverages—after China and Russia—and its consumption is growing at a faster rate than ever before. However, alcohol has always been at the center of debates, influenced by cultural, religious, and regional factors. In certain parts of India, alcohol consumption is a lifestyle practiced by the upper class, while in others, it remains a taboo and a means to cope with stress. As access to alcohol becomes easier and cheaper, more people are turning towards it. Women, who have long been oppressed by societal norms, are breaking free to make their own choices, including consuming alcohol. The patterns of alcohol consumption vary from state to state, mostly influenced by geographical context. In some states, women have taken to this habit more than in other states. Let’s take a look at the top seven states where women consume the most alcohol, based on data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019-20.

In Arunachal Pradesh, 26% of women aged 15–49 consume alcohol. This high rate is attributed to the state’s culture, where alcohol consumption is encouraged. The custom of offering rice beer, called “apong,” to guests is a part of the traditional and cultural beliefs of ethnic groups in the region.

In Sikkim, 16.2% of women consume alcohol, making it second on the list. The state is well known for its household liquor production, a tradition passed down through generations. Despite the stigmas, alcohol consumption in Sikkim holds cultural significance.

In Assam, 7.3% of women consume alcohol. Like the top two northeastern states, Assam’s tribal communities have a long tradition of brewing and consuming alcohol. For them, alcohol consumption is as much a ritual as it is a lifestyle.

In this southern state, 6.7% of women consume alcohol, with rural women consuming more than those in urban areas. This reflects the prevalence of alcohol use among rural women in Telangana.

In Jharkhand, 6.1% of women consume alcohol, primarily from tribal communities that have been marginalized for ages. With few job opportunities, many in these communities turn to alcohol to cope with their challenges.

The only Union Territory on the list, 5% of women in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands consume alcoholic beverages. This is influenced by social customs, stress, and the age at which women start drinking.

Around 5% of women in Chhattisgarh drink alcohol, placing the state seventh on the list. Stress and lack of opportunities for women are primary contributors to this figure.