Prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with alcohol use among tribal populations in India: A narrative review

ABSTRACT Alcohol use among tribal populations in India is a growing public health concern, with evidence indicating that prevalence rates in these communities often surpass the national average. This narrative review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed literature accessed through databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on the patterns, consequences, sociodemographic determinants, and policy responses related to alcohol use in tribal groups across the country. The review highlights that alcohol consumption in these populations is frequently embedded in cultural traditions and is shaped by various factors including age, gender, occupation, and income. Adverse outcomes linked to alcohol use range from physical health issues like hypertension and cardiovascular disease to social problems such as academic underperformance and psychological distress. While restrictive measures like alcohol bans have shown limited success, community-based interventions—such as those implemented by SEARCH and Muktipath—have demonstrated potential by adopting culturally sensitive, locally grounded approaches. The findings underscore the need for more holistic, community-driven strategies to effectively address alcohol-related harm in tribal settings, echoing similar patterns observed in indigenous populations worldwide.