The non-availability of liquor in the market due to the ongoing lockdown in Hyderabad is causing many problems including mental ones for regular drinkers.
Several of them are behaving in a strange manner due to non-consumption of alcohol.
Some have even tried committing suicide. According to a figure, five persons have attempted suicide in the state so far.
The institute of mental health at Erragadda has also reported a spike in cases related to people suffering mentally due to lack of alcohol.
The Superintendent of the hospital Dr Uma Shankar said that the hospital had received 100 cases on Monday alone of people suffering from mental ailments due to lack of alcohol.
He said that the cases had gone up steadily over the last four days.
He added that some patients were causing injuries to themselves due to the withdrawal symptoms.
Excise Minister V Srinivas Goud however instructed officials to enforce the lockdown norms and the closure of the wine shops.
In a review meeting the minister did take stock of reports that some alcoholics were creating panic at the Erragadda hospital, and said that they may be offered counselling to overcome the problem.
"Yoga, meditation and exercise will help to see that the problem is addressed. Also encouraging them to play chess and carroms will help them divert their minds. Motivate and guide their families to overcome the problem," he told the officials.