Determinants of Alcohol Addiction among Consumers in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

In spite of several alcohol-related harms, consumption pattern towards alcohol addiction in Nigeria is on the increase. This study attempts to identify the determinants of addictive alcohol consumption among consumers in Nigeria. Using a causal research design, 250 alcohol consumers were purposively sampled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using the multiple regression analysis in SPSSWIN version 22. The findings revealthat there is a combined effect of the latent variables- peer group, price, socio-cultural environment and government intervention on consumers’ alcohol addiction (R=0.673, R2=0.452 and p= 0.008). In conclusion, peer group influence, price of alcoholic beverages, socio-cultural environment and level of government involvement in alcohol regulation have a direct and significant influence on alcohol addiction. Theoretical and policy recommendations were made; as well as practical implications.In spite of several alcohol-related harms, consumption pattern towards alcohol addiction in Nigeria is on the increase. This study attempts to identify the determinants of addictive alcohol consumption among consumers in Nigeria. Using a causal research design, 250 alcohol consumers were purposively sampled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using the multiple regression analysis in SPSSWIN version 22. The findings revealthat there is a combined effect of the latent variables- peer group, price, socio-cultural environment and government intervention on consumers’ alcohol addiction (R=0.673, R2=0.452 and p= 0.008). In conclusion, peer group influence, price of alcoholic beverages, socio-cultural environment and level of government involvement in alcohol regulation have a direct and significant influence on alcohol addiction. Theoretical and policy recommendations were made; as well as practical implications.