CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the study

Alcoholism is the medical condition caused by drinking too much alcohol

regularly. It is also the consumption of either spirit wine, beer and malt to such

an extent that it affects the social or work related functioning of an individual

(Laura et al, 2021). There are over 190 million alcohol users around the world

and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young

adults under the age of 30 (Ananya, 2020).

Addiction to alcohol is a worldwide problem, but the issue and public

health concern related to substance abuse in developed countries are different

than the developing countries. Many developed countries like the United State

of America, England, Australia, Canada, Japan, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Italy

and many more report significant drug abuse and alcoholism problems (Laura et

at, 2021). For instance, at an annual cost of over $161 billion dollars, alcohol

consumption in the US is more expensive than the American diabetes epidemic,

and nearly as expensive as the yearly cost of cancer-related expenses. Other

public health threats in this regard include the fact that more than 1/3 of all HIV

cases and most cases of Hepatitis C were caused by intravenous drug use and

needle sharing. Alcohol and drug use in the US are responsible for as many as

500,000 deaths per year; a large number of which are caused by the up to 22%

of drivers involved in crashes while under the influence of drugs. Moreover,

1
50% of all arrests for major crimes in the US occurred while the perpetrator was

under the influence of drugs, and correspondingly 60% of American federal

prison inmates are incarcerated for drug related offenses (Laura et al, 2021).

Alcoholism is not as prevalent in developing countries as it is in the

developed countries. However, recent trends have shown that more and more

people in underprivileged nations are turning to drugs to cope with economic

and social disparities. And because these nations do not have the infrastructure,

public health and treatment support that developed nations have, the results of

increasing numbers of addicts is likely to be an unmanageable burden in

countries that already have very little resources (ESAAC, 2019).

In Nigeria, especially in the southern part of the country, one of the most

pressing concerns regarding drug abuse and addiction is the association between

drugs and crime. Likewise the northern part of the country like Borno State,

insurgency and violence related to poverty, and an increase in illicit drug use is

likely connected with the aggressiveness of youths in the region (Babagana,

Bintu, Ahmad, and Hassan, 2020). On the other hand, the rise of individuals and

groups that manufacture, transport and distribute the alcohol in northern part of

Nigeria will almost certainly lead to an increase in alcoholism among students

in the region (Kasula, 2016). It is against this background that study intends to

examine the causes and effect of alcoholism among students in secondary

school.

2
1.1 Statement of the Problem

Alcoholism, the driver of human self-destruction, is rapidly increasing

among secondary school students and is emerging as a global concern. Students

who use alcohol are lagging in respect of academic performance, achievement,

and other co-curricular activities. Today, there are estimated 1.5 million

adolescent student alcohol users in Nigerian higher institution. No academic

institution in Nigeria is immune to this problem (Ajala, 2012). Some students

are involved in use of alcohol because they want to reduce regular pressures

around them.

However, various studies have been conducted in Nigerian educational

institutions to assess the causes and effects of alcoholism among students. For

instance, Oshiokoya & Alli, (2006) wrote on perception of alcoholism and drug

abuse amongst Nigerian students. Still Kasula (2016) wrote of the effect of drug

abuse and alcoholism on academic success of students in Nigeria.

In addition, data on the causes and effect of alcoholism among secondary

school students in Maiduguri, Borno State remain largely un-documented. There

is therefore need to seek information to contribute to this knowledge gap. So,

this study closed the gap by examining the causes and effects of alcoholism

among secondary school students in Maiduguri, Borno State.

3
1.2 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the causes and effects of

alcoholism among secondary school students in Maiduguri, Borno State. While

the specific objectives are to:

i. Ascertain the factors that influence secondary school students to alcoholism,

ii. Examine the influence of alcoholism on academic performance of secondary

school students,

iii. Explore strategies taken to address the problem alcoholism among students.

1.3 Research Question

In the course of carrying out this research work, the researcher attempts to

get proffer solutions to the following questions.

i. What are the factors that influence secondary school students to alcoholism?

ii. What is the influence of alcoholism on academic performance of secondary

school students?

iii. What are the strategies taken to address the problem alcoholism among

students?

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for many reasons. For instance, the study provides

resource materials for many that want to have deeper knowledge about the

cause, effect and control alcoholism. This research also encourages

organizations like NDLEA, NAFDAC, WHO, and government parastatals to

establish rehabilitation centers to help victims of alcoholism. More so, the study

4
and its findings also reveal the consequences of alcoholism on academic

performance of students. Finally, the study would also enlighten the health

implications associated to illegal alcohol consumption to the students.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study is focused on the causes and effects of alcoholism among

secondary school students. Students from elected secondary schools in

Maiduguri were the respondents of this study.

1.6 Operational Definition of Term

Academic performance: is the outcome of education, the extent to which a

student, teacher or institution have achieve their educational goal. It also

describe as how well one does in school and the achievement he/she get. Poor

academic performance entails bad grades while the desired academic

performance is good grades.

Drug: is defined as any substance, which is used for treatment or prevention of

disease in man and animals. It also entails any licit or illicit substance that when

swallowed, smoked, sniffed or injected influences the function and operation of

the body and mind.

Drug Abuse: is the taking of drugs or a deliberate use of drugs for purposes

other than its intended purpose without the supervision of a physician or a

medical practitioner. It also refers to the misuse or wrong use of drugs which

have adverse effects on the central nervous system, mind, mood, behavior and

5
personality of the individual. Also, it is the use of any drug to the point where it

interferes with an individual’s health or with his economic or social adjustment.

Drug addiction: addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder characterized by

compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.

When a person is addicted to drugs, he or she can’t resist the urge to use them,

no matter how much harm the drugs may cause.

Effect: is a change which is as a result or consequence of an action or other

cause.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.0 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the literature review and theoretical framework.

The literature review was discussed based on the objectives of the study. Drug-

Subculture Theory was also used to guide this study.

2.1 Factors Responsible for Alcoholism among Students

Several explanations have been given on the factors responsible for alcohol

and drug abuse among students. In Gorsuch and Butler’s (1976) argument, the

absence of mother or father has a significant relationship with drug abuse and

addiction by students. This is probably true because parental absence sometimes

disrupt the socialization processes (Fine and Kleinman, 1979).

In addition, the causes of alcoholism among students can be at an

individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and societal levels (Adan,

2016). When properly investigated, these causes can give an indication as to

why a certain individual got involved in the use of alcohol. The individual

causes include personal characteristics like one‘s age, sex, level of education

and knowledge (Barrett and Turner, 2006), which is also linked to an

individual‘s inherited genetic aspects from parents with alcohol use problems

(Kendler et al, 2000). It also includes aspects such as hostility, low self-esteem

and difficulties in controlling impulsive behavior (Walton and Roberts, 2004).

7
 The second level is the interpersonal domain which is linked with the

adolescent‘s social interactions with friends, family and close relations. This

also involves poor early childhood upbringing in the family due to poor family

life circumstances (Barret and Turner, 2006). It also includes low parental

discipline and poor parental monitoring. The third level of causes of drug abuse

is the institutional level. At this level the school culture is the main factor that

influences school students’ involvement in drug abuse.

The fourth level is the external environmental factors that may influence

drug abuse. These include the availability of affordable drugs and the

concentration of drinking outlets in the area surrounding the school. In a place

or country where the laws or regulations are relaxed the problem of alcohol use

may continue. According to Spooner (2009), the above domains or levels do not

operate in isolation. They are interrelated and their combination makes the drug

abuse problem among adolescents a more complex one.

In a related study Adan (2016) in a study of alcoholism among school

students in Wajir Kenya, found that drug abuse was caused by peer pressure,

lack of discipline, parental encouragement, lack of school policies on use of

alcohol and lack of parental guidance on drug abuse. These are key instances

that provide the dire need to apply the same investigative approach on

secondary school students in Maiduguri, Borno State.

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2.2 Influence of Alcoholism on Academic Performance of Students

Good academic performance always depends on a healthy mind and body.

It is important therefore that the brain be in good working condition all the time.

Alcohols and drugs, especially addictive ones, affect the brain and nervous

system as a whole. According to National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism

(2005), in United State of America about 25% of students experience difficulty

in academics due to drug use. Such difficulties include earning low grades,

doing poorly on tests, missing class and falling behind in academic

performance.

In Africa, drug trafficking and consumption among students accounts for

26% of global participation (UNODC, 2014). There are secondary effects of

alcohol which include taking care of friends on drugs and being victims of

assault which can affect school work of students who do not use drugs. These

consequences can have dramatic end results. Subsequently, school

administrators report that significant number of students who drop out of school

do so because drugs interfere with their academics (Kendler et al., 2015).

According to MOEST (2015) report, Kenya’s Busia County has seven

constituencies with the rate of alcohol abuse quite alarming. Nambale

constituency which is the neighbouring constituency to Teso South records

averagely 10% of the students in form three and four as victims of drug abuse.

The report adds that the academic performance in secondary level of schools

within Busia county is generally above average, with many students scoring a C

9
and above, except in Teso South Constituency, where 75% of the students in

secondary school score above C, therefore recording a 60% failure. In Teso

South constituency, the situation of drug abuse among secondary school

students is the same. Gross impairment and decline in academic performance as

a result of drug use is becoming rampant.

In Nigeria, students who persistently abuse substances often experience an

array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems,

poor peer relationships and involvement with the juvenile justice system.

Additionally, there are consequences for family members, the community, and

the entire society like conflict between friends, family breakdown, violence,

gangs, drug trafficking etc. (Ajala 2012).

Declining grades, absenteeism from school and other activities, and

increased potential for dropping out of school are problems associated with

student’s substance abuse. Hawkins, Calatano and Miler (2012) had research

finding that low level of commitment to education and higher truancy rates

appear to be related to substance use among adolescents. Again Alcohol effect

the brain, this result in major decline in the functions carried out by the brain

(Abot, 2015). Alcohol affects the students concentration span, which is

drastically reduced and boredom sets in much faster than for non-drug and

substance abusers. The student will lose interest in school work including extra

curriculum activities. Most of the psychoactive drugs affect the decision making

process of the students, creative thinking and the development of the necessary

10
life and social skills are stunted. They also interfere with the awareness of an

individual’s unique potential and interest thus affecting their career

development (Kikuvi, 2009). Cognitive and behavioural problems experienced

by alcohol-and Drug-using youth may interfere with their academic

performance and also present obstacles to learning for their classmate

(UNDOC, 2014). Alcoholism is associated with crime maintenance of an

orderly and safe school atmosphere conducive to learning. It leads to destruction

of school property and classroom disorder. And it is noted that alcohol reduce

number of hours a learner spends in studies (NACADA, 2012).

In Nigeria, some secondary school students who experience dissatisfaction

with life due to anger, frustration, academic failure and boredom, consume

drugs to fit in and serve as a consolation. This invariably affects their academic

performance, hence hours that should be used for study are diverted to rest and

sleep after the alcohol consumption (Ajala 2012).

2.3 Strategies to Address the Problem of Alcoholism Among Students

One of the most important factors in a successful school program

addressing alcoholism in schools is in the mindset that governs how school staff

and program participants take toward addiction. The landmark research by

Kendler et al., (2015) illustrates that addiction is not a moral failure or

weakness of will within individual addicted people, but rather, addiction is

rooted in a lack of community and meaningful connections to others. It will help

school staff to gain perspective on how to help prevent problematic alcohol use

11
and maintain a nonjudgmental perspective over those struggling with the mental

illness of addiction. Stigmatizing attitudes toward addiction have consistently

proven ineffective at reducing use (Babagana et. al., 2020).

Addiction to alcohol is considered a mental illness, and those who suffer

from this problem deserve nonjudgmental respect and courtesy when trying to

get them the help they need. Basing awareness and intervention programs on

showing compassion for those who are struggling will go a long way to creating

real change, while programs that are more punitive and stigmatizing have

historically been colossal failures. For this reason, Hawkins et. al., (2012)

provided three (3) programs that will address alcoholism among students which

are as follows:

 School programs should be meant to reduce risk factors among all alcohol

users, such as in a school or community. These large-scale programs may

include poster campaigns, assemblies, or events to promote awareness of the

problem and how to get help.

 Selective programs should be meant to address those alcohol users and

students who have an increased risk of taking alcohol because of other

factors, such as deviant behaviors, family history of use, where they live,

who their friends are, or their income.

 And, finally, indicated programs should be meant to help those students who

are already using alcohol and will focus on reducing and ending the use with

12
 therapy and targeted interventions that increase protective factors and reduce

risk factors.

However, an effective solution to alcoholism use in schools should be

evidence based and nonjudgmental while addressing all types of audiences with

different risk and protective factors, but there are other elements to consider for

a comprehensive program (Ajala, 2012).

2.4 Theoretical Framework

2.4.1 Drug-Subculture Theory

The drug-subculture theory hypothesized that the predisposing factors to

alcohol and drug abuse include the influence of the parent culture upon youths;

parent culture values on the choice of friends and patterns of friendship

(Johnson, 1973). The theory draws inspiration from the effectiveness of

socialization, where youths develop the emotional attachment to parental

figures, and/or “the significant others,” and a belief in the moral order

underlying conventional bonds (Kaplan, 1975). This theory received significant

support in the social learning perspective of Akers (1977) and differential

association theory of Sutherland and Cressey (2004). The theorists argued that

youths learned delinquency by modeling exposure to friends’ delinquent

behavior. In this context, both the “significant others” and the “generalized

others” exert influence on the youth. However, peers’ social approval of alcohol

use and anticipated rewards for engaging in drug abuse are especially likely to

enhance alcohol addiction when there is weak bonding to the family.

13
 Many peer groups follow their peer cultural values and conduct norms.

Group members are expected to engage in various forms of unconventional

behavior, of which alcohol use is one of them. As the proportion of the peer

group (or other reference groups) using alcohol increase, the probability of gang

formation may emerge (Kandel, 1983). When this happened, Smith and

Stephens (1976) observed that antisocial environment may provide

opportunities for involvement in deviant behaviors such as crime, especially in

urban environment where a number of additional “disorganizing” factors

including family disruption, relative poverty, and ethnic tension exist (Peterson,

Lauren, & Krivo, 2010).

Despite the explanation of drug-subculture theory about peer bonding,

parents are still recognized as important agents of socialization. In this context,

deviance behavior is attributed to failures in conventional bonding by the

family, school, religious organizations, and other institutions whose functions

are to socialize youths to norms, moral order, and societally acceptable

behaviors (Kandel, 1983). In the social control theory propounded by

Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990), parents are the sole motivators that determine

both internal and external factors that influence the child moral upbringing.

During the formative years of the child, the parents remained the alter ego that

influenced socialization and the development of social bond. Such socialization

and bonds determine what the child grows up to be, including behavior that has

to do with obedience to the laws (Simms, 1978). In their analysis, Gottfredson

14
and Hirschi (1969) theorized that the behavior of youths can be influenced

greatly by “attachment and commitment, commitment and involvement, and

attachment and belief” (p. 200).

While attachment involves the relation of the youth to parents, peers, and

school, commitment represents the youth’s occupational and/or educational

aspirations and/or prestige. Youths with close parental attachment are rewarded

for conformity by the approval and esteemed admiration of their parents.

Involvement is operationalized to include participation in conventional

activities, which leads toward socially valued success and status objectives,

while belief is seen as acceptance of the moral validity of the central social

value system. In this context, the youths grow up to accept the rules,

regulations, and laws of the society as binding on their conducts. On the basis of

these arguments, Wiatrowsk, Griswold, and Robert (1981) observed that good

parental control results in the parental attachments that influence the

development of the child conscience and the feeling of guilt. In the context of

this theory, youths who lack parental control are likely to abuse drugs because

they have no sense of guilt (Sampson and Groves, 1989).

By relating the drug-subculture theory to this study which investigates the

causes and effects of alcoholism among students of secondary school, it shows

the participation of students in drug abuse is as result of the influence of the

parent culture upon youths; parent culture values on the choice of friends and

patterns of friendship, and the weakness of schools in providing discipline. This

15
in turn affects the students’ academic performance and consequent dropout rate

from school due to retarded memory. This is because the drug has negatively

affected their ability to memorize things, concentration in the classroom,

prioritization of assignments, likelihood to attend class, and even their overall

IQ. Finally, the reason why the drug-subculture theory was chosen to this study

is because it has the ability to explain the factors responsible for alcoholism

among students and how it affects their academic performance.

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 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the methods that were used in carrying out this study.

The following sub-headings were used: study area; source of data; population of

the study; sample size; sampling technique; method of data collection; and

method of data analysis.

3.1 Study Area

This study was conducted in Maiduguri. Maiduguri is the capital and largest

city in Borno State, northern Nigeria. It has a status of local government area

administered by a local council. Maiduguri Metropolitan Area happens to be

densely populated areas among the twenty seven (27) local government areas in

Borno State. It lies within latitudes 11o 5 and 13o 05 and longitudes 13o 50 and

12o 20E. Within the state, it shares boundary with Jere Local Government Area

to the west, Konduga local government Area to the north. The current metro

population of Maiduguri in 2021 is projected at 803,000, a 2.16% increase from

2020 (Mecrotends, 2021).

Maiduguri has the highest climate temperature of 47 o C (117oF) on May-

July, while lowest climate temperature is 5 oC (41oF) on December –April next

year. Majority of the inhabitants are farmers, traders and civil servants. The

majority groups are Kanuri and Shuwa-Arab. Others include, Fulani, Bura,

Gamarghu and many Immigrant settlers from within and outside Nigeria.

17
Maiduguri Metropolitan Council constitutes 15 wards which are; Bolori I & II,

Bulablin I & II, Gamboru Liberty, Gwange I, II & III, Shehuri North, Shehiri

South, Mafoni, Limanti, Lamisula and Jabba Mari. The major occupation of the

people in the area is farming, business and civil servants.

3.2 Source of Data

The data for this study were sourced through primary and secondary data.

Primary data refers to the data collected for the first time in order to solve the

problem at hand. Therefore, the primary data was collected through

questionnaire from the students and teachers of some selected secondary school

in Maiduguri. The secondary data was collected through reviewing various

sources such as journals, books, reports, and research publications.

3.3 Population of the Study

In research, population are set of individuals or objects with same

characteristics which the study is concerned with. The target population of this

study are the secondary school students and teachers of some selected

secondary schools in Maiduguri.

3.4 Sample Size

The population of this study is too big for the researcher to cover; as such a

sample size was drawn out of the population. Therefore, this study used a

sample size of 100 students and teachers.

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3.5 Sampling Technique

In order to get a representative sample, multi-stage sampling technique was

used in the sampling procedure. The first stage used selects four (4) secondary

schools in Maiduguri Metropolitan Area. These schools are Shehu Sanda

Kyarimi Senior Secondary School; Government Day Secondary School; Mafoni

Government Secondary School; and Government School Secondary School

Moduganari. In the second stage, 25 respondents were selected each from the

four schools using Simple random sampling. Therefore, 100 respondents were

the sample size for this study.

3.6 Method of Data Collection

For the sake of the primary data, this study adopts questionnaire as the

instrument of data collection. The researcher with the help of research assistant

went to all the selected schools and administers the questionnaire to the

respondents.

3.7 Method of Data Analysis

In order to analyze the data collected effectively and efficiently for easy

management and accuracy, responses from the questionnaire was analyzed

using the descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentage and using

tables to present the results.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.0 Introduction

This chapter deals with the data presentation and analysis. The following

subheadings were used: data presentation; data analysis; and discussion of

findings.

4.1 Data Presentation

100 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents during the survey.

But only, 96 were fully completed and returned. Therefore, the analysis was

done based on the 96 questionnaires.

4.2 Data Analysis

The data was analyzed using frequency count and percentage:

20
SECTION A

4.2.1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents

Sex Frequency Percentage

Male 72 75%

Female 24 25%

Total 96 100%

Age Frequency

Percentage

16-18 20 21%

19-21 37 39%

22-24 28 29%

25 and above 11 11%

Total 96 100%

Secondary Schools Frequency

Percentage

Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Secondary School 41 43%

Government Day Secondary School 22 23%

Mafoni Government Secondary School 10 10%

Modugunari Secondary School 23 24%

Total 96 100%

Source: Field Work, 2022.

Table 4.2.1 above presents the socio-demographic characteristics of the

respondents. It shows that most of the respondents (75%) are male, while some

of them (25%) are female. This indicates that this study is open to the responses

21
of the both genders (male and female). However, majority of the respondents

are male.

Next, table 4.2.1 revealed that 21% of the respondents were between the

ages of 16 to 18; while 39% were between 19 to 21; then 29% were between 22

to 24; and 11% were from 25 and above. This shows that majority of the

respondents are between the ages of 19 to 21.

Furthermore, the table shows that most of the respondents (43%) were

from Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Secondary School; while some of them (23%) were

from Government Day Secondary School; then few of them (10%) were from

Mafoni Government Secondary School; and some (24%) were from

Modunagari Secondary School. Here, we got to know that students and teachers

from different Secondary Schools participated in this study, and majority of

them were from Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Secondary School.

22
SECTION B

4.2.2 Factors influencing Alcoholism

Do you take Alcohol? Frequency Percentage

Yes 7 7%

No 89 93%

Total 96 100%

What are the factors influencing alcoholism? Frequency Percentage

Peer group 51 53%

Frustration 33 34%

Family problems or broken home 12 13%

Total 96 100%

Do students get any motivation by taking alcohol? Frequency Percentage

Yes 7 7%

No 89 93%

Total 96 100%

If yes, why? Frequency Percentage

It relieves their academic tension 0 0%

It calms the mind 0 0%

Makes you forget your problems 7 100%

Total 7 100%

Source: Field Work, 2022.

Table 4.2.2 presents the factors influencing drug abuse. It shows that few

of the respondents (7%) said that they take drugs; while many of them (93%)

said they do not take alcohol.

23
 Secondly, the table reveals that 53% of the respondents said that peer

groups are the ones responsible for alcoholism; while 34% of the respondents

said that frustration is the factor responsible for alcoholism; and 13% said that

alcoholism is mostly as a result of family problems or broken home. However,

this clearly shows that peer groups are more responsible for the cause of

alcoholism.

Thirdly, few of the respondents (7%) said that students get motivation by

taking alcohol; while majority of the respondents (93%) said that they do not

get any motivation by using alcohol. And among those that get motivation by

using alcohol, they said that it relives their academic tension, it calms their

mind, and it makes them forget their problems.

24
SECTION C

4.2.3 Influence of Alcohol on Academic Performance

Do you know alcohol affects academic performance? Frequency

Percentage

Yes 88 92%

No 8 8%

Total 96 100%

If yes, how? Frequency

Percentage

Student will perform poorly 0 0%

Concentration in the class will be poor 0 0%

Absenteeism in the class 0 0%

All of the above 88 100%

Total 88 100%

Are students taking alcohol dropped out of school? Frequency Percentage

Yes 56 58%

No 40 43%

Total 96 100%

Source: Field Work, 2022.

Table 4.2.3 presents the influence of drug on academic performance. The

table reveals that 92% of the respondents believed that alcohol affects academic

performance; while 8% said that alcohol has no influence on academic

performance.

25
 Similarly, the table again shows that the entire respondents (100%) said

that alcohol make students perform poorly; their concentration in class will be

poor; and they will be absent in class.

Moreover, table 4.2.3 shows that 58% of the respondents believed that

students engaged in alcoholism are mostly dropped out of school; while 43%

disagreed with this statement. However, this finding indicates that alcoholism

can lead to student to drop out of school.

SECTION D

4.2.4 Strategies to address the problem of Alcoholism

Is alcohol dangerous to the health? Frequency Percentage

Yes 96 100%
No 0 0%
Total 96 100%
How does alcohol affect our health? Frequency Percentage
Destroy our organs 34 35%
Affect our mental well-being 32 33%
Kills 30 31%
Total 96 100%
How do we tackle alcoholism among students? Frequency Percentage
Through mass media 45 46%
Through health education 29 30%
Use of billboard 22 23%
Total 96 100%
Is government doing enough to tackle alcoholism? Frequency Percentage
Yes 33 34%
No 63 66%
Total 96 100%
If no, what do you want the government to do? Frequency Percentage
Break drug supply chains 0 0%
Make the activities of NDLEA stronger 0 0%
Rehabilitate the drug users 0 0%
All of the above 63 100%
Total 63 100%

Source: Field Work, 2022.

26
 Table 4.2.4 presents the strategies to address the problems of alcoholism.

Firstly, the table shows that the entire respondents (100%) believed that alcohol

is dangerous to human health.

Secondly, the table reveals that 35% of the respondents said that alcohol

destroys human organs; while 33% said that alcohol affects our mental well-

being; and 31% said that alcohol totally kills. Therefore, this indicates that

alcohol affects our health negatively.

Thirdly, 46% of the respondents in this study said that alcoholism can be

tackled through mass media; while 30% said that it can be tackled through

health education; and 23% said that it can be tackled through the use of

billboards. This indicates that there is need for the government to use mass

media, health education, and billboards in educating the public on the effect of

alcohol.

In the fourth place 34% of the respondents said that government is doing

enough to tackle alcoholism; while 66% said that government is not doing

enough to tackle alcoholism. This indicates that majority of the respondents

believed that government is doing enough to stop alcoholism in our society.

Finally, among those respondents that said government is not doing enough

to tackle alcoholism, they again said that the government needs to break alcohol

supply, make the activities of NDLEA strong, and rehabilitate the alcohol users.

27
4.3 Discussion of Findings

This study examines causes and effect of alcoholism among students of

secondary school. The study proceeded with the following objectives; ascertain

the factors that influence secondary school students to alcoholism; examine the

influence of alcoholism on academic performance of secondary school students;

explore strategies taken to address the problem alcoholism among students

The findings on socio-demographic characteristics revealed that majority

of the respondents were male; were those between the ages of 19 to 21; were

those students and teachers from Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Secondary School.

On the factors influencing alcoholism, this study revealed that the major

factor is peer group, then followed by frustration and family problems or broken

home. Furthermore, this study reveals that students take alcohol to relieve their

academic tension, to calm the mind, and to make them forget their problems.

These findings were earlier confirmed in the study of Babagana et al., (2020)

which states that alcoholism among youths are mostly as a result of friends

(peer groups), family history of addiction, frustration, poor school performance,

family dysfunction, under or over controlling by parents, and divorce. These are

certain factors that increase the risk of a person developing addiction to alcohol.

On the other side, the findings on the influence of alcoholism on academic

performance indicates that majority of the respondents (students) believed that

alcohol affects academic performance. Most especially, it will make students

perform poorly, loss concentration in class, and mostly absent during

28
teaching/learning hours. And as result, alcohol can lead to student to drop out

of school. These findings tally with the result of the study carried out by Kasula

(2016), which noted that in learning institutions, alcoholism make students to

have poor concentration in class, high rate of absenteeism, and failure in exams

leading to poor academic performance.

Finally, on the strategies to address the problems of alcoholism, the study

reveals that alcohol is dangerous to human health; it destroys our organs, it

affects our mental well-being, and even kills. As such, this study further reveals

that alcoholism can be tackled through the use of mass media, health education,

and billboards in educating the public on the effect of alcoholism. And the

government needs to break drug supply, make the activities of NDLEA strong,

and rehabilitate the drug users. The study of Oshiokoya and Alli (2006) also

revealed that governments need to prevent alcohol from reaching the country by

securing the border. And law enforcement initiatives needs to understand how

alcohol develop and encourage it users to stop taking it.

29
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0 Introduction

This chapter deals with the summary of the study, the conclusion, and

recommendation.

5.1 Summary

This study examines the causes and effect of alcoholism among secondary

school students. The study is divided into five chapters. Chapter one deals with

the introductory part. Here, three research objectives were formulated, which

are; to ascertain the factors that influence students to alcoholism; to examine the

influence of alcoholism on academic performance; and to explore strategies to

address the problem of alcoholism. So also, the scope and significance of the

study were highlighted in the first chapter.

Chapter two focuses on the literature review and theoretical framework.

The literature review was discussed based on the three objectives of the study.

And Drug-Subculture Theory was used to guide this study under the theoretical

framework.

Chapter three presents the methods used in carrying out the study. Here, it

is discussed that students and teachers of some selected secondary schools in

Maiduguri are the population of the study, and 100 were selected to participate

in the study using multi-stage sampling. Questionnaire was used as the

instrument to collect data from the students.

30
 Chapter four focuses on data presentation and analysis. The data was

presented in frequency and percentages. This was done for easy understanding

by the reader of this work. The findings in this chapter reveal that the major

factor which influences drug abuse is peer group, then followed by frustration

and family problems or broken home. On the other side, alcoholism make

students to have poor concentration in class, high rate of absenteeism, and

failure in exams leading to poor academic performance. Finally, this study

reveals that drug abuse is dangerous to human health; it destroys our organs, it

affects our mental well-being, and even kills. As such, alcoholism can be

tackled through the use of mass media, health education, and billboards in

educating the public on the effect of alcoholism.

Chapter five is the final section of this work. Here, the summary of the

study, the conclusion, and recommendations.

5.2 Conclusion

In concluding this study, it is observed that students who persistently

alcoholism often experience an array of problems, including academic

difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health), and poor peer

relationship. On their academic carrier, drug abuse decline student’s grade,

absenteeism from school and other activities, and increase potential for

dropping out of school are problems associated with student drug abuse.

Moreover, mental health problems such as depression, developmental lag,

31
 apathy, withdrawal, and other psychological dysfunctions frequently are linked

to drug abuse among students.

5.3 Recommendation

Based on the findings and conclusion of this study, the following were

made which if implemented will tackle alcoholism among students:

i. There is need for the students to develop healthy friendships and

relationships by avoiding friends and family members who pressure them to

use alcohol,

ii. Government and Non-governmental organizations should educate the public

on the effect of alcoholism through mass media, health education, and

billboards.

iii. There is need for both federal and state governments to break alcohol and

drug supply chain into the country/state. And also to rehabilitate those that

are already involved in alcoholism.

iv. There is need for parents to also help to break early behaviour in their

children which could be signs of an increased risk for developing

alcoholism disorder in the future.

v. Higher learning institutions should also organize a alcohol drug awareness

event during the matriculation of new students.

32
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36
 APPENDIX I

National Teachers Institute, Kaduna

NCE/BAY (BTUP)

Uba Centre

Borno State

Dear Respondent

We are students of the above mentioned institution currently undergoing a research

project titled "The Causes and Effect of Alcoholism among students of Secondary

schools” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Nigerian Certificate of

Education (NCE).

I therefore request you to please supply the information being sought for as stated in the

attached questionnaire so as to assist me to arrive at rational conclusion. Your identity

will not be revealed in any form, so feel free to complete the questionnaire with objective

and independent judgment. Thanks

Yours faithfully.

Shamsudeen Suleiman

Kwasini Moses

Grema Bulama

Hassan Abdulmalik

Sa’ad Usaman Idris

The Researchers

37
 APPENDIX II

Questionnaire

Section A: Personal Data of Respondent

1. Sex of Respondents

(a) Male [ ]

(b) Female [ ]

2. Age of Respondent

(a) 16 – 18 [ ]

(b) 19 – 21 [ ]

(c) 22 – 24 [ ]

(d) 25 and above [ ]

3. Secondary Schools

(a) Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Senior Secondary School [ ]

(b) Government Day Senior Secondary School [ ]

(c) Mafoni Government Secondary School [ ]

(d) Moduganari Senior Secondary School [ ]

4. Class level of Respondent

(a) SSS 1 [ ]

(b) SSS 2 [ ]

(c) SSS 3 [ ]

Section B: Factors influencing Alcoholism among Students

5. Do you Alcohol?

(a) Yes [ ]

(b) No [ ]

If yes, why? ……………………………………

38
6. What are the factors influencing alcoholism?

(a) Peer group [ ]

(b) Frustration [ ]

(c) Family problem or broken home [ ]

(d) Others (specify): ………………………….

7. Do you get any motivation by taking alcohol?

(a) Yes

(b) No

8. If yes why?

(a) It relieves your academic tension

(b) It calms the mind

(c) Makes you forget your problems

(d) Others (please specify):

………………………………………………………………..

Section C: Influence of Alcoholism on Academic Performance

9. Do you know alcohol affects academic performance?

(a) Yes [ ]

(b) No [ ]

10. If yes, how?

(a) Student will perform poorly [ ]

(b) Concentration in the class will be poor [ ]

(c) Absenteeism in the class [ ]

(d) All of the above [ ]

11. Are students engaged in alcoholism mostly dropped out of school?

39
 (a) Yes [ ]

(b) No [ ]

Section D: Strategies to address the problem of Alcoholism

12. Is alcohol dangerous to the health?

(a) Yes [ ]

(b) No [ ]

13. How does alcohol affect our health?

(a) Destroy our organs [ ]

(b) Affect our mental well-being [ ]

(c) Kill [ ]

(d) Others (please specify): ………………………………………..

14. How do we tackle alcoholism?

(a) Through mass media [ ]

(b) Through health education [ ]

(c) Use of billboard [ ]

(d) Others (please specify): …………………………………….

15. Do you think government is doing enough to tackle alcoholism?

(a) Yes [ ]

(b) No [ ]

16. If no, what do you want the government to do to tackle alcoholism?

(a) Break drug supply chains [ ]

(b) Make the activities of NDLEA stronger [ ]

(c) Rehabilitate the drug users [ ]

(d) All of the above [ ]

40