Social influences together with local cultural norms are central factors that can influence the use of alcohol. The study, therefore, identified socio-cultural norms and roles capable of influencing alcohol use among young people in an alcohol producing community, in Nigeria. We used qualitative technique - focused group discussions among selected key persons in the area of study. Three groups; adult males, adult females and youths were engaged in discussions around the themes of socio-cultural; norms, roles, beliefs, values and practices that influences alcohol abuse. The focus group discussions lasted for 60-90 min and each group comprised 8-10 participants. The discussions took place in February 2016. Nine socio-cultural themes emerged following a thematic analysis of the findings, one of which is: Involvement of those who should control drinking in palm wine business hinder control of abuse. Using Vygotsky's Socio-cultural theory guide, the researchers were able to provide the scaffolding that supported the expression of the harmful effect of alcohol abuse and suggestions for improving control by participants.
© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.