Alcohol Consumption in Indonesia Consistently Decreases for Six Years

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that Indonesian alcohol consumption has been steadily declining over the past six years.

In 2017, the average per capita alcohol consumption was 0.54 liters. A year later, it dropped to 0.48 liters per capita in 2018. The figure further decreased to 0.41 liters per capita in 2019.

Then, in 2020, average consumption fell to 0.39 liters per capita, dropping to 0.36 liters per capita in 2021. Finally, consumption reached 0.33 liters per capita. BPS states that the decrease from 2018 to 2022 reached 30%.

Quoting Halodoc, citing the Journal of Neuroscience, alcohol triggers the brain to release dopamine, a reward-system chemical. Halodoc notes that this substance leads the brain to associate positive feelings, prompting individuals to drink more.

(Also read: [Alcohol Consumption in Indonesia Continues to Decline in the Last 5 Years](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2022/03/29/konsumsi-alkohol-di-indonesia-terus-menurun-dalam-5-tahun-terakhir))

"Furthermore, this habit also affects serotonin, which plays a role in things like mood and sleep," writes Halodoc on its website.

Therefore, when drinkers consume more, they experience pleasure and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop. Halodoc even mentions that heavy drinkers will start drinking even more in an attempt to prevent social withdrawal.

The following are alcohol addiction symptoms compiled by Halodoc, quoted on Saturday (13/1/2024):

* Excessive alcohol consumption; increased amount or frequency of consumption.
* High tolerance to alcohol.
* Drinking at inappropriate times (morning or at work).
* Changes in friendships.
* Mood changes, such as depression and lethargy.
* Dependence on alcohol for daily activities.
* Avoiding contact with close ones.
* Rambling speech.
* Poor balance and clumsiness.
* Slow reflexes.
* Tremors in the morning after drinking.
* Memory loss after drinking.
* Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as tremors, nausea, and vomiting.

(Also read: [Here's the New Excise Tariff for Alcoholic Beverages Starting in 2024](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2024/01/05/ini-tarif-baru-cukai-minuman-beralkohol-mulai-2024))