Why Educated Indian Men Never Admit Alcohol Addiction | Dr. Austin | Md Sadique Akhter | EP002

"If he's earning well and functioning, there's no problem." This is the most dangerous belief in Indian families dealing with alcohol. Psychiatrist Dr. Austin Fernandes explains why educated, successful men are the last to be diagnosed, why families choose silence over confrontation, and why de-addiction so often fails. He also covers what quietly happens to children who grow up around alcohol, even in homes without shouting or violence. According to Dr. Austin, around 16 crore Indians consume alcohol, 5–7 crore have an alcohol-related problem, and nearly 80% never seek treatment. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Preview 01:38 Introduction 02:33 India's alcohol problem: the numbers 04:28 What is alcohol dependence? Tolerance, craving, loss of control 07:47 How social drinking turns into dependence 09:29 What Indian families get wrong 12:45 Why educated, successful people deny it 14:24 How someone looks functional while being dependent 15:52 Is weekend-only drinking safer? 17:45 Why families defend the habit 19:22 Why families act so late 22:39 "Adjust kar lo": family silence and collective denial 25:11 Children who grow up around alcohol 31:40 What happens to these children 20 years later 34:35 Indian men, emotions and alcohol 41:09 Is alcohol a "socially accepted medication"? 42:34 Warning signs families ignore 44:14 Why asking for help feels like failure 45:32 The damage already done by the time help is sought 47:15 Relapse is not failure 50:51 After rehab: how to stay sober (HALTS) 56:35 Detox vs rehab: what actually happens 1:00:24 Can de-addiction be done at home? 1:01:50 Stopped for a week: does that mean you're not addicted? 1:03:15 Can you cut down on your own? 1:04:15 Can the brain and liver recover? 1:06:19 For spouses: how to raise the issue 1:09:51 For parents: "boys will be boys" 1:13:21 For children: does alcohol harm without violence? 1:15:09 Message for social drinkers 1:17:18 Closing messages for families 👨‍⚕️ ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Austin Fernandes (MD Psychiatry) is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, with 13+ years of experience in addiction psychiatry and neuropsychiatry. He was trained at INHS Asvini, the Indian Navy's premier medical institution. 📌 ABOUT DECODE BY SADIQUE Decode by Sadique is a one-to-one interview series featuring India's top professionals — decoding the systems, decisions, and industries that shape everyday life. ◼ Website: https://decodebysadique.com/ ◼ LinkedIn:   / sadiqueakhter   ◼ Decode by Sadique Instagram:   / decodebysadique   ◼ Sadique’s Instagram:   / sadiqueakhter   🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations ⚠️ IMPORTANT This video is for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, including seizures and delirium. Do not stop heavy, long-term drinking suddenly without medical supervision. If you or someone you know needs support, please consult a psychiatrist or doctor. In India, you can call Tele-MANAS at 14416 (free, 24x7). #AlcoholAddiction #Alcoholism #DecodeBySadique