AN ASSESSMENT OF CULTURE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE AMONG IMAN IBOM YOUTHS

This fieldwork was undertaken to assess the culture of alcohol and drug abuse among Iman Ibom youths in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The researcher made use of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and Hirschi’s Social Bonding Theory for theoretical framework. Exploratory research design was adopted by the researcher. The sample for this study were aged between 18 to 50 years and above, who were randomly selected through the big-net approach from the randomly selected village across the Iman Ibom Clan in Etinan Local Government Area. The researcher adopted the Fatterman’s big-net approach for sample size which was limited to and not above 400 interviewees for the study. Socio-demographic data were presented and analysed using simple percentage. Findings of the study presented as natural occurring texts in form of excerpts, and were analysed thematically using discuss analyses method. Findings of the study revealed that Iman Ibom youths indulge in anti-social and anti-moral behaviours under the influence of alcohol and drug abuse. Iman Ibom youths continue in alcohol and substance abuse as a cycle, they tend to engage in criminal behaviours under the influence of alcohol and psychoactive substance abuse. Mkpomkparawa has been a cycle of alcohol and drug abuse among the Iman Ibom youths. This cycle has been a traditional code and pattern through which alcohol and drug abuse is preserved and transfer from one generation to the other. Among others, the researcher recommend legislation, advocacy and sensitization of the youth, stakeholders and the public on the danger of alcohol and other psychoactive substance abuse in the name of tradition especially on the health aspect of the youths