Understanding Socio-Economic Effects Of Alcoholism In Households In Sotik Constituency

Abstract

This study investigated factors that had led to alcohol abuse among the household members and its contemporary socio-economic effects on families in Sotik Constituency. The study covered four objectives which were: to find out causes of alcoholism in Sotik constituency, to establish awareness of socio-economic effects of alcoholism among the residents, to investigate effects of alcohol on people productivity and to establish possible solutions to alcoholism problem in the area of study. The study was significant in understanding the reality of alcoholism and adverse effects on socio-economic growth, it helped families, government agencies, social and legal institutions to address contributing factors towards alcoholism, risk factors and also to provide possible solutions to the spread of alcoholism in the area and other parts affected. The study covered socio-economic problems of caused by alcoholism in the area of the study by investigating the dynamics of alcoholism that includes: its effects as well as possible solutions. Various factors such as time, finances and personnel affected the limitation of the study, also some respondents may not have given the real information so the researcher had to solicit genuine respondents so as to so as to produce accurate data as possible. To this effect, several theories have been put forward namely: the disease model of drug dependence, genetic theory of alcoholism and psycho-social model of alcoholism which helped understand nature and factors of alcoholism, the three theories are interconnected to explain genetic, psychosocial and disease dynamic nature of alcoholism. The target population was the members of households (mostly male) and also female respondents living in the area. Key informants: the chiefs; assistant chiefs, teachers, village elders, and religious leaders were purposively selected. The tools for collecting data included a questionnaire, semi structured interviews guides and direct observations. The findings of the study indicated that: harsh economic and social conditions have contributed to alcohol abuse. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used to collect the information on the effects of alcoholism on the people’s performance. All the collected data were coded and analyzed using SPSS computer software for the presentation and respective analysis. This study found out that the economic effects of alcohol abuse are damaging to the nation, as its socio-economic effects affected the family, the community, and persons of all ages. The study recommended that; alternative sources of income should be introduced in order to curb the problem; counseling and rehabilitation centres should be established in the district, and that awareness should be created on the impact of alcohol abuse on the family.