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Alcoholism Among Native Americans
"Alcoholism" (noun.) is a chronic disorder identified as habitual consumption and dependency of alcoholic beverages.

"Native American" (noun.) is "a member of any of the indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere."



The stereotype of the “drunken Indian” is associated with the alarming rates of alcoholism among Native Americans. Alcoholism is a serious issue among Native Americans and is said to have a rate of at least six times the average in the United States. Approximately twelve percent of deaths among Native Americans are alcohol related. Native Americans have a history of oppression, violence, loss of self-determination, and displacement. Along with these factors, inadequate access to health care and poverty can also be contributing factors to the high rates of alcoholism among Native Americans. Tribal diversity is another factor. The question is raised about genetics. Can alcoholism run in the family? Some studies show that, in fact, genetics do play a part in this major health problem among Native Americans. There is also a lack of punishment for alcohol abuse and the use of alcohol is widely accepted and supported throughout the communities.

Genetic Factors
A wider level of alcoholism is experienced in certain ethnic groups. Rating much higher than the rest of the population, Native Americans are one of those groups. There is a gene mutation that causes negative effects of alcohol. (Such as dizziness, headache, blurred vision, nausea, etc.) Some groups, to include Native Americans, do not acquire this gene mutation. According to research conducted at the University of California and the Indiana research Center, Native Americans are at high risk for becoming alcoholics due to a "low response" and high tolerance to alcoholic beverages. They handle alcohol too well, and consume more than average before feeling any effects from it.

Cultural Factors
When European settlers moved in on the Native American society, it led to an oppressed society and decline of Native American culture. The resulting negative effects, such as poverty, unemployment, dysfunctional families, and lack of education are highly correlated in the increased use of alcohol. There is a cultural clash that still exists, even today, between Native Americans and societies that dominate around them. This has lead to conflict, depression and low-self esteem among the Native American culture. There are over five hundred federally recognized tribes, each with it's own history, traditions, and culture. There is a great deal of diversity, even between each tribe.

Statistics
About 75% of all Native American deaths are associated with alcoholism. Approximately 66% of Native Americans whose deaths were in some way attributed to alcohol were men and 66% were under the age of fifty. Even more shockingly, 7% were under the age of twenty. Approximately one and a half to two and a half live births per one thousand are born with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Treatments
With so many different tribes, it is hard to study efficacy of program models. What might work best in one tribe, might not be effective in another. Treatment without consideration of culture and historical context can often lead to worsening the problem, rather than helping it. There are five common treatment models: Medical, Psychosocial, Assimilative, Culture-Sensitive, and Syncretic. The most extreme model is the Syncretic Model, which is the one primarily used for Native Americans. It includes cultural formalities such as sweat lodges, tribal healers, talking circles, and medicine wheels. The Medical Model is considered by some to be culturally inappropriate for Native Americans, because the Native Americans do not accept that it is a disease. Treatments are more successful when they involve the family and community.