Alcoholism in Native Americans Essays - Psychoactive Drugs

Ashley Altidort ProfessorCerrato Counseling and Treatment of Addictions December 13, 2018 Alcoholism in Native Americans Native Americans as a whole have been typecast as drunks ever since the coming of the white man's "fire water." TSNaimi, MD et al. reports that alcohol is responsible for 11.7% of all American Indian and Alaska Native deaths, compared to 3.3% for the U.S. general population (939). This disturbing discrepancy reinforces theage oldnotion of the "drunk Indian." Generalizations aside, is there some truth to this stereotype? Are Indians more likely than other races to be drunks? Of all the races, "Native Americans have the highest prevalencewith a percentage of12.1% of heavy drinkingA larger percentage of Native Americanswith29.6% also are binge drinkers" (Chartierand Caetano 153). Although some research has been done on genetic causes, little is actually known about why American Indians have the most difficulty in limiting their alcohol consumption. However, the consequences of drinking encompass almost every aspect of their lives: health, social, and legal. Once that first drink is t aken, alcohol becomes a best friend for many American Indians. A preventive plan needs to be incorporated to bring awareness to Native American children about the effects of alcohol so that they will never take that first drink. With a cultural and spiritual approach, leaning toward traditional tribal beliefs, education will empower Native Americans to break the chain of generational drinking patterns. There are many problems caused by alcoholism, but what causes alcoholism? Sandra Alters of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illicit Drugs believes, "The development of alcoholism is the result of a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors" (18). The list of health related issues are extensive and include: liver disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, stroke, heart disease, hypertension, mouth and throat cancer, and fetal alcohol syndrome. In "Problematic drinking risk and the American Indian," Dr.NicheaSpillane argues that "Alcohol use among American Indians is perhaps the largest health concern in many American Indian communities" (8). Even with free medical clinics, known as Indian Health Services, many Native Americans who live in cities or have left their tribal lands find it difficult to receive the medical care that is needed. This could explain why, "Uninsured American Indians or Alaska Native Adults were more likely than uninsured adults in the general populatio n to have binged on alcohol in the past month" (SAMHSA 6). Various studies have shown the disturbing effects of alcohol on the American Indians' health. It is documented that "excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable death and years of lost life in this population. During 2001-2005,AmericanIndian/AlaskaNativeswere more than twice as likely to die from alcohol-related causes,in comparison tothe U.S. general population (Naimiet al. 940). One of the many contributing factors, that may either be a result or a cause, of excessive drinking amongst Native Americans is lack of employment. Dr. Spillane confirms, "For many reservation-dwelling American Indians, access to standard life reinforces isnot available in any practical sense (work opportunities and economic security tend not to be attainable)" (8). When jobs are hard to come by, alcohol can fill the void left by unemployment and the feeling of discouragement that comes from not bringing in a paycheckto support their family. Some Native Americans may also have trouble maintaining jobs due to binge drinking or thehangovers experienced after a night of heavy drinking. For this reason, "compared with the national average, American Indian or Alaska Native adults were more likely to be living in poverty (27.6%vs. 11.5%) (SAMHSA 2). In addition to unemployment and poverty, legal issues are a major concern for many alcoholic American Indians. Alcoholism Sourcebook report s, "According to data from a nationwide survey, the prevalence of drinking and driving in the past year were 19% among American Indians/Alaskan NativesAlcohol-related fatal crashes are three times more prevalent among American Indians/Alaskan Natives than among the general population (Sutton 86). Violence victimization is also an element of alcohol as "Several studies indicate that Native Americans are at greater risk for alcohol-related trauma (e.g.,IntimatePartnerViolence, rape, and assault) compared with other U.S. ethnic groups" (ChartierandCaeteno155). Since alcohol liberates inhibitions, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, social and legal implications are common amongst Native Americans. The statistics on youth drinking for Native Americans are