Project Abstract

Abstract
Alcoholism and drug abuse are significant public health concerns in Nigeria, with a growing prevalence among various age groups and socio-economic backgrounds. This research project aims to explore the patterns, causes, and consequences of alcoholism and drug abuse in Nigeria. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis from various sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of this issue. The research findings reveal that alcoholism and drug abuse have become pervasive problems in Nigeria, with a high incidence particularly among young adults and adolescents. The study identifies several factors contributing to the rise in substance abuse, including social, economic, and cultural influences. These factors include peer pressure, unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare services. Furthermore, the research highlights the significant consequences of alcoholism and drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities in Nigeria. These consequences range from health problems, such as liver diseases and mental health disorders, to social issues like domestic violence and crime. The study also examines the impact of substance abuse on the economy, including lost productivity and increased healthcare costs. The research project provides insights into the existing policies and interventions aimed at addressing alcoholism and drug abuse in Nigeria. It identifies gaps in the current strategies and recommends evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. The study emphasizes the importance of a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to combat substance abuse effectively. Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on alcoholism and drug abuse in Nigeria and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable interventions to address this public health crisis. By understanding the complex nature of substance abuse and its impact on individuals and society, policymakers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted strategies to prevent and reduce the burden of alcoholism and drug abuse in Nigeria.

Project Overview

The consequences of drug abuse and alcoholism placed great burden on Nigerian society as it affected the economy, the health care system, the criminal justice system, and threatens job security, public safety, marital and family life. Alcoholism and the abuse of other drugs, both licit and illicit can affect all aspect of a person’s life. It can also affect the brain, damage emotional stability, finances, career, family and the entire community in which an alcoholic or drug abuser lives.

This author has corrected the misconception by many Nigerians that drug abuse is only applicable to illicit drugs, by proving that licit drugs can also be abuse. This paper also considered the origin of alcoholism and drug abuse in Nigeria, the prohibition of alcoholism in Nigeria, the theories, types, signs and symptoms, the possible reasons for the involvement of Nigerians in the abuse of drugs and alcohol and the implication. The paper further elucidates on the connection between drug abuse and crime and drug abuse and poverty in Nigeria, and showed the role of Christianity in curbing the menace of alcoholism and drug abuse using analytical method. The author interviewed some addicts that were rehabilitated by the church and some Christians who testified to the church commitment in curbing the problem of alcoholism and drug abuse.

This paper conclusively encourages the church to take concrete action in the issue of alcoholism and drug abuse through indoctrination and socialization and also provide programmes for rehabilitation. The government should also establish counseling centers in all communities to create awareness to the ignorant people about the negative consequence of drug abuse and alcoholism.