In our country, student alcohol use has become a major problem, especially on college campuses where young people often find themselves alone. The health, social, and economic fabric of families, communities, and countries are all seriously threatened by excessive alcohol consumption on campuses as well as the surrounding areas. Alcohol has been found to be detrimental to the growth and education, and thus, to the advancement of the country. Crime and indiscipline, such as absenteeism, low performance, school dropout, and destructive strikes that cause property damage to the institution, have been linked to alcoholism.
Alcoholism has been associated with crime and indiscipline, e.g., poor class attendance, poor performance, school dropout and destructive strikes that lead to damage to the institution’s properties.
Alcoholism, also referred to as alcohol use disorder, is a prevalent medical problem. People with this illness are unable to quit drinking, even when it negatively impacts their relationships, safety, social well-being, and health. When asked how they obtained those alcoholic drinks, some students at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Ogba, Lagos, responded that they don’t sell alcohol on campus and that they always receive them from the university community. We also learnt that a large number of the students use alcohol at their different lodges. Prior to now, alcohol consumption was mostly among elderly people who drank beverages like palm wine, Burukutu, Ogogoro (local gin), Pito etc. But today we see young people drinking Alcohol like water as a result the effect of alcoholic disorder (Alcoholism).
Types of alcohol students take on campus
Alcoholic drinks such as Alomo bitters, Orijin Bitters, Heineken, Desperado, Hero, Trophy beer, Flirt Vodka, Odogwu bitter and many other bitters and quick sachet drinks that you see handy with students affect their bodies and academic performance.
On January 3rd, 2025, the outgoing physician and former United States Surgeon General released an advisory warning that alcohol consumption raises the risk of at least seven types of cancer. Shortly afterward, a second federal warned that people who consume more than nine drinks per week have a one in 100 chance of dying from their habit, due to alcohol’s links to a range of health problems. Bottom of Form their habit, due to alcohol’s links to a range of health problems.
Alcohol’s effects on students alters how the brain functions and appears by interfering with its communication networks. These disturbances can alter behaviour and mood, making it more difficult to think effectively, and make it more difficult to move with has demonstrated that, in addition to the detrimental effects of drinking on academic performance and social skills, some students quit because they are unable to think clearly. To earn money to buy alcohol, some students steal and pick pockets. that the human body experiences more general adverse effects from alcohol:
Student disobedient conduct, public and domestic abuse, criminal activity, family dissolution, social dysfunction, heart illness, malignancies, including those of the mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, and breast, diabetes, and other conditions.
How students get involved in alcohol
A lot of student started the intake of Alcohol when they arrived on campus, many were introduced by friends and course mates. And some said they started taking alcohol right from home, before they arrive the campus. Since campus is a place that free them from home and gives them independent, then comes the high rate of the take.
Generally, alcoholism is caused by Peer social networks (friends, clubs, or spouses) that include heavy drinkers and alcohol abusers increase the individual’s risk of alcoholism. Besides heredity, there are at least five other major contributing causes to alcoholism: environmental contagion, cultural influence, certain coexisting psychiatric conditions, availability, and occupation.
How students can get out of the evil hands of alcoholism
How students can escape the pernicious grip of alcoholism Avoiding persons or locations where you would often drink is one of the simplest strategies to fight the menace that could destroy the future of our next generation. Spend time with classmates who can inspire you to read and participate in other constructive extracurricular activities on a regular basis. In order to avoid temptation, students should not be permitted to consume alcohol in the dorms or store it in their lodgings.
those who are profoundly affected require counselling from a medical practitioner as part of their treatment. For individuals who require more help, a detoxification program at a hospital or medical facility may be a choice. Additionally, there are medications that lessen the desire to drink, which medical professionals can suggest.
Ways forward
Some of the ineffective tactics used by the government and school administration to encourage children to consume alcohol on school property must be eliminated. Parents need to watch their children the kinds of friends and company they keep. School social clubs and student unions should carryout rally on intervals to educate students on the danger of alcoholism.
Francis Urrah
