Deaddiction drive to free village of alcoholism

Vadodara: Madheli village of Waghodia taluka that is known for its high alcohol consumption, may soon find a solution to its seething problem.
A 36-year-old counsellor will be conducting alcohol de-addiction camp in the village for married couples and teenagers. Zabeen Sorangwala has initiated the voluntary drive to better the lives of women and children subjected to domestic violence.
"For few months I visited the village and met the sarpanch who told me that people there don't work after sunset.He told me that most of the villagers will be found in an inebriated state after dark. Both men and women get into drunken quarrels and the children remain neglected," said Sorangwala who has united several NGOs and professionals from the city for his project.
Influenced by the life of a friend who suffered domestic violence by her alcoholic father, Sorangwala has gathered a group of professionals who will be working for the cause. She and her team will be conducting home visits and counsel addicts and their kin.
According to Sorangwala, the relatives of those addicted to alcohol too need counselling. Most of the addicts are disowned by their family and are left with limited scope to get back into routine life. There are around 200 families residing in Madheli. Being on the outskirts of the city, the village has become a hub of bootleggers and addicts, she said.
"Alcohol addiction is a big concern, as it not only impacts family, but also society as a whole. We have come up with a comprehensive plan to create awareness among the villagers on the perils of addiction," said psychiatrist Dr Lakhan Kataria who is also a part of the camp.
"The issue of domestic violence due to alcohol addiction is not restricted to rural areas. It is also very much evident in the urban slums. Our effort will be to reach out to more people," said psychologist Naasheta Bhaisaheb from Tadbeer foundation who is supporting the cause.