The Myth Behind Alcohol Happiness

By drawing on the socio-cultural, religious and traditional practices that encourage the use of alcohol in Bhutan, the author will examine the causes and factors that induce and maintain drinking habits among Bhutanese. Next, the impact of heavy drinking on Gross National Happiness will be examined. As an outcome of this study, some relevant strategies to minimize harm related to alcohol in Bhutan will be presented. Author’s background Dr. Chencho Dorji is a consultant psychiatrist and technical advisor to the National Mental Health Programme – Bhutan. He has written several articles on mental health in Bhutan including the article “Achieving Gross National Happiness (GNH) through Community-based Mental Health Services in Bhutan”, which he presented during the first seminar on GNH in Thimphu 2004