DRINKING PROBLEMS AND THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN NIGERIA

This paper examines, against the background of society's general attit udes toward women, the special problems that arise for women who misus e alcohol in Nigeria. Both traditional and contemporary Nigerian socie ties idealize women. Their roles are circumscribed and they are least expected to engage in certain socially unacceptable behaviours (alcoho l misuse included) that could at best only be pardoned if males were t o behave in this way. Women who misuse alcohol in Nigeria therefore su ffer enormous psychological and social damage, besides the physical co mplications experienced by alcohol misusers. They are considered as so cial misfits, and would in many cases end up in prostitution. Their '' sins'' are visited upon their children and extended family, who in tur n would be under pressure to salvage the family name and image. The na ture of help available to such women, and recommendations for improvin g that help, are discussed.