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Alcohol Use and Native Americans

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Alcohol Use and Native American Populations

Alcohol Use and Native American Populations
Alcohol consumption by Native Americans is higher than all other ethnic groups or subgroups in the United States. Roots of the epidemic of alcohol-related problems among many Native Americans are in response to European arrival. Initially, Native American's responses to alcohol were heavily influenced by the example of White frontiersmen. Whites also deliberately pressed alcohol upon the natives because it was an immensely profitable trade good; in addition, alcohol was used as a tool of "diplomacy" in official dealings between authorities and natives.
Compared with the U.S. population in general, the Native American population is especially at risk for alcohol related consequences. Prior to colonization, the Native Americans had been naïve to the effects of distilled spirits, having used only weaker fermented beverages for religious ceremonies. The cultural beliefs, risk behaviors, consequences, population at risk, a cultural plan of action, ways to modify behavior, and community/national resources regarding Native Americans and alcohol will be discussed.
Cultural Beliefs and Assumptions
The primitive religions of the Native Americans were based on the culture of Animism. Animism is a religion based on the spiritual idea that the universe, and all natural objects within the universe, has souls or spirits. In this religion it is believed that souls or spirits exist not only in humans but also in animals, plants, trees, rocks etc. This belief and culture is also extended to thunder storms and rain and geographic features such as mountains, caves or rivers also possess souls or spirits. In religion the Native Americans worship animals, plants, the sun, rain, and wind. In festivals, ceremonies and prayers they try to gain the favor of these gods.
The Great Spirit is believed by many Native Americans to be a creator of life, a divine power that created the world. The religion and beliefs of Native Americans is also dominated by the culture of shamanism in which a religious leader, called a Shaman or Medicine Man, acted as a medium between the visible world and the spirit world. The Shamans or Medicine Men have special powers, medicine and magic to heal the sick, control the hunt, and predict the future. Economic factors, knowledge about and access to herbs, and distance from health care facilities often influence the decision to seek home treatment. However, as more over-the-counter remedies become available at trading posts and cash-and-carry stores, these remedies are becoming more popular than herbal remedies for a wide number of symptoms. (War Paths 2 Peace Pipes, 2014)
According to The Utah Department of Health “some Indian cultures do not speak of death, dying, or of negative outcomes to medical procedures, as “thought” and “speech” can cause the negative outcome to occur.” It is thought that speaking the name of a deceased person may hold that person’s spirit in limbo, and delay their journey to the next world. After slow and deliberate consideration of treatment options, an elder may choose not to accept the procedure or treatment, or in some Indian traditions, an elder may choose not to allow treatment for a member of his/her family.
Risk Behavior, Consequences and Population at Risk
According to PubMed (2011) Native Americans have a higher risk of alcohol abuse than the general U.S. population. There are several factors which might increase the risk for alcohol abuse in Native American groups. Culture influences, fertility, patterns of alcohol consumption and abuse, and perhaps dietary and metabolic differences may be involved. Alcoholism is one of the most significant public health problems for Native Americans (Indian Health Service, 2007). They are five times more likely than whites to die of alcohol-related causes, including liver disease. They also have higher rates of drunk driving and related deaths than the general population.
Compared with the U.S. population in general, the Native American population is especially at risk for alcohol-related consequences. Consequences of alcohol-related behavior include higher death rates among the Native American population than among the U.S. population in general. Nearly twice as many Native American men as Native American women die from alcohol-related causes. Alcohol-related suicides and homicides are also considered to be more common in the Native American population than in general population. In addition, high rates of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) have been found in some tribes (Indian Health Services, 2007).
Cultural Plan of Action to Modify Risk Behavior
Most frequent alcohol related causes of death for Native Americans are at least partially preventable and could be addressed by development of culturally congruent education programs. Efforts to prevent and treat alcohol problems among the Native American population may be more effective if native beliefs and approaches are incorporated. Alcohol problems also may be prevented through policies regulating the sale and use of alcohol in Native American communities. It would be necessary to use an intercultural collaboration model in both planning and implementation of patient education with the specific Native American community to be served. The extended family plays an important role in health care decision making. Often many family members will appear with a patient. Include family members when decisions regarding treatment options are needed. Very often, a patient will postpone treatment because the consent of the family leader, often the eldest female, must be obtained first. In addition, one-on-one education with a trained provider, rather than written printed materials, or educational lectures would be provided. Pictures, videos, and demonstrations rather than explanations would also be beneficial. “Doing” rather than “Talking” has been a traditional way of teaching for many Native Americans.
Whether or not interpreters are needed, literacy level should be assessed, as well as English language skills. Many Native American languages do not have equivalent words or concepts for many English words, especially medical language. Ample time should be given for consideration of information given, and consultation with other persons in the Native American community. Consultation may be sought from Clan leaders, matriarchs, patriarchs, religious leaders, and/or medicine persons. Also, translation of written material and medical jargon may be sought from other sources. Medical procedures, such as detox treatment may be appropriate only on certain dates for an individual in consultation with traditional healers. Use of a cultural guide, or spiritual leader, may be helpful if not already engaged, but ethical and confidentiality issues are at stake.
Community and National Resources
There are several resources available in the area for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Some of the available community resources for outpatient and inpatient treatment, counseling and detox include: * Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Phone: (212) 870-3400
Address: A.A. World Services, Inc. P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:45 pm
Website: http://www.aa.org/ * L & P Services Inc.
Phone: (740) 376-0930
Address: 207 Colegate Drive Suite D Marietta, OH 45750 or 919 Mitchell Avenue Beverly, OH 45715
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30am-7:00pm
Wednesday 8:30am-8:00pm
Friday 8:30am-4:00pm
Website: http://www.l-pservices.com/ * Parkersburg Treatment Center
Phone: 304-420-2400
Address:184 Holiday Hills Drive Parkersburg, WV 26104
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 5:30am-2:00pm, Wednesday 5:30am-11:00am * Westbrook Health Services
Phone: 304-485-1781
Address: 1011 Mission Drive Parkersburg, WV 26101
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-6:00pm
Friday 7:30am-5:00pm
Website: http://www.westbrookhealth.com/dnn/ * Noble Behavioral Health Choices
Phone: (740) 732-5988
Address: 48 Olive Street Caldwell, OH 43724
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-6:00pm
White Bison, Inc. is an American Indian non-profit charitable organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Through White Bison, healing resources have been offered to Native America since 1988. White Bison offers sobriety, recovery, addictions prevention, and wellness learning resources to the Native American community nationwide. Many non-Native people also use White Bison's healing resource products, attend its learning circles, and volunteer their services. More information about White Bison, Inc. would be offered to the client through printed material in their native language if electronic resources are not available to them. Information could also be obtained if they have access to electronic resources through the website at http://www.whitebison.org, email at info@whitebison.org, by phone at 1-877-871-1495 Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm, or by mail at White Bison, Inc. 701 N 20th Street Colorado Springs, CO 80904. (White Bison, 2014)
Summary
Native Americans who engage in excessive alcohol consumption have the ultimate decision in whether or not they seek professional health care. While much research shows that the Native American population is disproportionately afflicted with alcoholism, the rates are not as high as previously reported. It is critical to have accurate data about Native American drinking patterns, and to use a multi-factorial approach in interpreting drinking behaviors.
Native Americans belief system allows them to choose what health care practices they receive. This is a very important choice not only for them but for others in their family and community. In the best interest of themselves and their family, Native Americans should chose to seek professional health care for alcoholism. Native Americans must be educated on the importance of seeking professional health care with alcoholism and the risks it carries if they do not chose to do so. Educating these individuals can help modify their risk behavior and help them chose what is best for them, their family and community. There are many sources of reference that these individuals can receive to help them make the best decision possible.

References
Indian Health Services. (2007). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders among Native Americans. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.ihs.gov/headstart/documents/FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisordersAmongNativeAmericans.pdf
PubMed. (2011). Native American journey to prevention. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21633217 The Utah Department of Health. Health care of American Indian elders. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://health.utah.gov/disparities/healthcare/AmericanIndian.pdf
War Paths 2 Peace Pipes. (2014). Native American culture. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/index.htm
White Bison. (2014). About White Bison. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from
http://www.whitebison.org/white-bison/white-bison-about.php

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