PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AMONG MEN IN KARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE

Abstract

Alcohol dependence is a growing public health concern in many communities,particularly among men. This study examined the psychological implications of alcoholdependence among men in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. A cross-sectionalsurvey design was employed with 200 adult male participants randomly selected from differentcommunities. Data were collected using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Descriptive and inferential analyses wereconducted to examine the relationship between alcohol dependence and psychological distress.Results showed significant positive correlations between alcohol dependence and depressivesymptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, and somatic complaints. These findings indicate that higherlevels of alcohol dependence are associated with greater psychological distress, suggesting thatalcohol use in this population functions as a maladaptive rather than protective coping strategy.The study highlights the need for community-based interventions, mental health counselling, andawareness programs to reduce alcohol misuse and improve psychological well-being.