1.1 Introduction
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that has a depressant effect. People have been brewing and fermenting alcoholic drinks since the dawn of civilization. Consumed in moderate amount, alcoholic beverages are relaxing and in some cases may even have beneficial effects in heart, health, consumed in excess alcohol is poisonous to human systems and is considered a drug. When people take (drink) alcohol, it is absorbed into their bloodstream. It affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which controls virtually all body functions. The immediate physical effects of drinking alcohol range from mild mood changes to complete los of co-ordination, vision, balance and speech, any which can be signals of acute alcohol intoxication or drunkenness. These effects usually wear-off in a matter of hours after a person stops drinking (American Journal of Addiction, 2003).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically doctors have promoted alcohol for its perceived health benefits and most recently for protection against coronary heart disease. There is evidence of cardiovascular benefits from drinking one to two drinks per day; however, the health benefits from moderate intake of alcohol are controversial. Alcohol should be regarded as a recreational drug with potentially serious adverse effects on health and it is not recommended for cardio-protection in the place of safer and proven traditional methods such as exercise and proper nutrition (Sunkiewic & Welglarz, 2009).
An alcohol beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: Beers, Wines and Spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over one hundred countries have laws regulating their production, sale and consumption. In particular, such laws specify the minimum age at which a person may legally buy or drink them. This minimum age varies between sixteen and twenty-five years, depending upon the country and the type of drink. Most nations set it at eighteen years of age (International Center for Alcohol Policies, Retrieved 2009: Minimum age limit worldwide). The production and consumption of alcohol occurs in most cultures of the world, from hunter-gatherer peoples to nation-states (Arnold, 2005). Alcoholic beverages are often an important part of social events in these cultures (European Beer Guide, 2006).
Alcohol abuse in the institutions of higher learning in Nigeria threatens the achievement of vision 2030 and holistic wellbeing (GOK, 2012). According to NACADA (2007), the practice of alcohol abuse has developed to a point where it has become a culture and tradition rooted in every level of university environment and that practice is handed down through cohorts of alcohol abusers strengthen students' expectation that alcohol is a necessary factor for social success. Hagembe & Simiyu (2006) indicated that in Nigeria, the society does not take alcohol abuse as a major problem in spite of the fact that many people suffer from conditions associated with alcohol abuse. In the higher institutions of learning, binge drinking has become another social norm.
According to WHO (2012), in many parts of the world, drinking alcoholic beverages is a common feature of social gatherings. Nevertheless, the consumption of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its intoxicating, toxic and dependence − producing properties. In addition to the chronic diseases that may develop in those who drink large amounts of alcohol over a number of years, alcohol U.K. is also associated with an increased risk of acute health conditions such as injuries, including from traffic accidents.
There is a general believe that alcohol performs a number of services that have become almost indispensible to modern society and living. In as much as alcohol is a reliable means for social integration, as well as symbol of social solidarity and also lubricant for social intercourse during which it provides the much needed atmosphere for the exchange of ideas, information and discussion of politics, the ills or detriment of excessive alcohol intake cannot be ignored or overlooked.
Larger amounts of blood alcohol can impair brain function and eventually cause unconsciousness. An extreme overdose of alcohol poisoning can be fatal. Alcohol taken in excess can depress brain activities to the point where memory muscular co-ordination and balance can be disturbed hence the reason for concern as regards this situation amongst students with emphasis on University of Benin students. Alcohol is used by certain persons for several reasons, based on several factors. Its use is related to factors ranging from emotional, social, religious, physical, to psychological. Some of the reasons why people take alcohol therefore include:
- To quench thirst
- To promote sleep
- To spice up social gathering
- To improve appetite
- To kill anxiety
- Influence from other people
- To relieve pains
Other reasons such as curiosity or wanting to be part of the group; some drink because it makes them feel better or older or because it gives them certain image among friends. Some people need to be drunken everyday just to get through the day, because they are dependent on alcohol. But in this study our focus is on male and female students of the University of Benin.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Influence of Excessive Intake of Alcohol among University Students.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that it is interesting to know that excessive intake of alcohol is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of an individual, and students who are supposed to be enlightened still indulge in drinking alcohol excessively. This brings to mind the need to know why this is so, hence the reason for this research. The consequences and effects of excessive alcohol intake is too high and this the researcher hopes to find out in this study.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Influence of Excessive Intake of Alcohol among University Students. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To find out the influence of excessive intake of alcohol and its consequences on the health and wellbeing of the students of UNIBEN; and
- To identify the effects of excessive intake of alcohol on the students of UNIBEN, and how it affects them academically, physically and otherwise.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is excessive intake of alcohol responsible for deviant behaviours amongst students?
- Is alcohol responsible for student’s poor academic performances?
- Is the intake of alcohol influenced by home problem?
- Do alcohol influenced by peer group loyalty?
- Is alcohol responsible for student’s improved state of mind?
- Is the excessive intake of alcohol by students induced by the desire to eliminate fear?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Excessive intake of alcohol is not responsible for deviant behaviours amongst students
- H1: Excessive intake of alcohol is responsible for deviant behaviours amongst students
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Intake of alcohol among students of UNIBEN is not influenced by home problem
- H1: Intake of alcohol among students of UNIBEN is influenced by home problem
1.7 Significance of Study
The study centers on the effects, consequences and factors influencing excessive intake of alcohol amongst UNIBEN students while still in school or on campus. To enable us discover these reasons and effects so that they can be addressed and dealt with to avoid the hazard or disadvantages it brings to students and the educational system as a whole, due to the fact that alcohol affects the brain and performance of students.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Influence of Excessive Intake of Alcohol among University Students. This study was delimited to the male and female students of the Faculty of Education and Social Science, University of Benin, Benin City.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Alcohol: According to new Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, it is the clear liquid that is found in drinks such as beer, wine, etc. and is used in medicines, clearing products, etc.
Alcoholics: A person who regularly drinks too much alcohol or suffers from a physical disorder caused by this.
