Nnadiebube Journal of Education

The general use of alcohol for a great variety of social, political, economic, religious and conceptual relationships is evident in the society today. (Odejide, 20007). Alcohol drinking traditionally occurred as a sign of hospitality, functioning as a means of strengthening the bond of friendships and kinship. (Oshodin, 2004). Alcohol is a part of many social occasions, from family dinners to parties, to sporting events, nightcaps, engagements, marriage ceremonies, family and age grade meetings, funeral ceremonies, title taking, festivals and worships. Many people believe that alcohol is food, a necessary nutrient, vitamin, a stimulant, and a poison, a disinfectant necessary for the body to fight against cold, fear, weariness and microbes (Oshodin (1981) Albeit, the truth is that no one needs alcohol to live. Alcohol is not essential in our diets. We consume alcohol to relax, socialize, and celebrate. Alcohol would not fall under the category of an essential nutrient because not having it in our diet does not lead to any sort of deficiency. The calories that come from alcohol are considered "empty calories" because of the lack of other essential nutrients. Alcohol is actually classified as a drug and is a known depressant. Under this category, it is the most widely used drug in the world. Udo (1987) defined alcohol as a colourless, intoxicating and inflammable chemical compound which is obtained commercially by distilling wine or other fermented liquors. Alcoholic beverages contain ethyl alcohol better known as ethanol.

Open Full Text (PDF)