AN EXAMINATION OF THE DETERMINANTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study The integration of drug and alcohol education into the curriculum of colleges is aimed at equipping adolescents and young adults with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions regarding substance use. This educational initiative is designed to ensure that students understand both the positive and negative impacts of these substances on the human body. According to Dambazau (2011), the misuse of alcohol and other psychoactive substances, such as marijuana, cannabis (Indian hemp), and cocaine, is predominantly observed among youths in various higher institutions. The decision to consume alcohol or drugs carries significant responsibility, particularly for adults who must be conscious of the limits and consequences associated with such use. Drug use becomes abuse when it is no longer for medicinal or socially regulated purposes but is instead used irresponsibly or excessively. While certain substances may be socially tolerated—such as alcohol, tobacco, and kola nuts—they are still potentially harmful, especially when not used in moderation or outside adult supervision (Ekpenyong, 2012). The issue of drug and alcohol abuse is a critical concern that can no longer be ignored. It has deeply infiltrated the social fabric of the nation, threatening the future of the youth. There is a clear distinction between drug use and drug abuse. Drug abuse occurs when a person consumes a substance without medical supervision or for non-therapeutic purposes (Ghodse, 2003). People often abuse drugs for the transient pleasure, emotional relief, or excitement they provide. Alarmingly, this behavior is increasingly prevalent among adolescents, including secondary school students. Consequently, it is imperative that public awareness is raised, and collaborative efforts are made to curb the progression of this crisis before it leads to a further erosion of societal values and loss of young lives. A collective and strategic approach is necessary to address the widespread impact of drug and alcohol abuse, which continues to affect individuals and society socially, morally, educationally, politically, and even through media influence. According to medical definitions, a drug is any substance that can alter the structure or functioning of a living organism. Dr. Wale Oloyede (2002) defines a drug as any chemical agent capable of affecting physiological processes such as respiration, growth, excretion, locomotion, and reproduction. Drugs can be both beneficial and harmful, and their therapeutic use must be guided by a careful assessment of potential benefits and risks. Drugs are generally categorized into two types: (1) Soft drugs, such as antibiotics and analgesics (2) Hard drugs, including substances like heroin, marijuana, and cocaine. This study will primarily examine the causes and effects of drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents, with a particular focus on Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, due to its strategic importance in both state and national development. Effect of Alcohol and Drugs on Specific Organs The long-term use of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to the adult brain. This often results in memory impairment and other cognitive deficits. In pregnant women, alcohol use can harm the developing brain of the unborn child, potentially resulting in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a condition marked by physical and mental abnormalities (Kendall, 2011). Cardiovascular System Chronic alcohol consumption can cause irregular heart rhythms and damage the muscular walls of the heart, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular complications. Digestive System Alcohol is known to cause disorders in the esophagus and stomach, often leading to vomiting and retching. In severe cases, it can result in ruptures in the lower esophagus, leading to internal bleeding. Alcohol is also a common cause of ulcers and pancreatic damage in heavy drinkers. Malnutrition and Anemia Alcohol contains non-nutritive calories and heavy consumers often fail to maintain adequate diets. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies, making chronic users more susceptible to anemia and other health complications. This research will examine in greater detail how such physiological effects of drug and alcohol abuse affect adolescents, with a concentrated study on students within Oredo Local Government Area. 1.2 Statement of the Problem It has become increasingly common to observe secondary school students loitering outside school premises during class hours. Some arrive late, some skip classes entirely, while others leave home under the guise of attending school but are neither found in school nor at home (Ferrante, 2008). This raises troubling questions about the shifting behavior and priorities of today’s adolescents. Why are young individuals becoming involved with hard drugs, despite the obvious dangers to their well-being? What compels a secondary school student to engage in such self-destructive behavior? Could the pervasive influence of the internet be contributing to these maladaptive behaviors? Does marijuana genuinely enhance cognitive function in adolescents? If it does, in what ways? The growing population and associated social pressures in our society may also be playing a role in this disturbing trend. These concerns underscore the urgency of addressing the root causes of drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents. By focusing on these issues within Oredo Local Government Area, this study seeks to uncover the underlying factors contributing to substance abuse and its wide-ranging consequences for young people and society at large. 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The objective of the study includes the followings: (1) To highlight the negative effect of drug and alcohol abuse. (2) To identify the underlying cause of responsible for drug and alcohol abuse. (3) To suggest step to step on how to slow down the menace of drug and alcohol addict. (4) What can Government, NGO, Parents or Students do to avoid drug and alcohol abuse. 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS  (1) What are causes of drug abuse? (2) What are the effects of drugs abuse? (3) What influence drug abuse? (4) How to curb drug abuse? 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES Ha:   There is significant different between adolescents that drug and alcohol and adolescents that do not abuse drug and alcohol. H0:  There is no significant different between adolescents that abuse drug or alcohol and the adolescents that do not abuse drug and alcohol. 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY (1)    This is aim at enlightening people of the danger of drug and alcohol abuse by students. (2)    To serve as roadmap for future adolescents especially in Oredo L.G.A. of Edo State (3)    It will help to improve the quality and quantity of life adolescents (students) in Oredo L.G.A of Edo State. 1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY  The scope of the study covered some selected secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. 1.8 Limitation of the study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:  Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study. 1.9 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS The meanings of some words as used in the passage (1) Decedent: Abnormal behavior of improper act of behavior. (2) Drug: A drug is any chemical you take that affect the way the body works. (3) Detriment: Harm. (4) Devastating: Dangerous (5) Stigma: Sign of shame.