Prevention & Treatment of Substance Abuse in Native American Communities
Native Americans living in and out of reservations face serious problems that needs to be resolved. Substance abuse is a major cause of many social problems among them including death and disability among the people both on and off reservation lands. The substance abuse has a disproportionate impact on native people in all states due to the rural and remote character of American Indian lands, the lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services and significant social and cultural differences in urban areas where many native people move for education and work opportunities. In addition, Native American communities are challenged by inadequate workforce, lack of specialized programs, and language and distance barriers that face most rural areas. o Alcohol remains the single most serious substance abuse problem facing Native American communities today, progressively severe patterns of drinking. o Methamphetamine is a growing threat on reservation land. Easily manufactured using common household products and over-the-counter medications. Some of the reasons, that allow such wide spread of substance among reservations, are, but not limited to: o Tribes did not adopt versions of the federal Controlled Substance Act, which addresses “designer” and lab-made drugs, so that "crystal meth" may in fact not be illegal on Indian land. o Tribes may not have jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservation. o Tribal justice systems often lack resources to address these cases effectively. For example, few tribes can afford detention centers to incarcerate offenders.
The solution to these problems include Collaboration with Native American Communities to establish effective treatments and prevention of substance abuse among the people. These acts should include, but not limited to: o Establish aggressive engagement strategies against substance abuse on and off reservation lands o Focus on infusing effective, culturally appropriate treatments and prevention strategies for substance abuse. o provide intensive training to hospital staff, tribal law enforcement, social services and tribal substance abuse professionals on crisis intervention, treatment and recovery of abusers. o Incorporate Traditional Healing Practices and use Local Resources to maximize effectiveness of prevention. o Strong tribal leadership dedicated to improving conditions on the reservations We must act now in order to prevent any further complications of this problem before it is too late to reverse the damage. We need to alarm our society and approach this matter with firm actions and social awareness in order to have effective treatment.
References Gerard, Susan: Director Arizona Department of Health Services (June 16, 2005), Prevention & Treatment of Substance Abuse in Native American Communities
Here is the paper that Bryan wrote: http://zmeikov.no-ip.org/ETHS%202440%20-%20Native%20Amer.%20Culture%20(SS,%20DV)/Alcoholism%20in%20Native%20Americans.doc
How alcohol was introduced Substance abuse is a huge health and social problem that has followed Native Americans since it was introduced to them by early European settlers. A theory is that traders introduced it to Native Americans because of the effects it had on their reasoning. This way traders could make better deals. Alcohol addiction caused the Indians to be cheated and slaughtered.
Contributing factors There are many contributing factors as to why alcohol is still affecting Native Americans today. These include factors such as poverty, unemployment, loss of ancestral homes, broken promises and hostility from the white settlers, feelings of hopelessness, poor overall general health, and the collapse of the Native American family unit.
Native American youth The Native American youth begins to experiment early with drugs and alcohol. Some people believe this is due to youth struggling with their identities as Indians. There seems to be a lack of strong cultural heritage to lead them. Alcohol and drug abuse are usually family and community problems. This affects all the tribal members.
Solutions Some tribal members feel that Native American youth will make better choices about their lives if they know more about--and take a more active part in--their tribal heritage. This could help the youth have a more positive self-esteem.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana healing principles to help substance abuse: 1. The solution for the problems with alcohol and substance abuse must come from within the communities. 2. We must discover the life-preserving, life-enhancing values of our traditional culture. 3. An ongoing learning process is required. 4. The well-being of the individual is inseparable from the well-being of the community.
Substance abuse (particularly alcohol) has a disproportionate impact among Indians. Lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services. In addition there are a low number of inadequate opportunities for work and lack of specialized programs. Arizona's division of behavioral health system provides the public treatment and prevention system for mental health and substance abuse. Through contracts with five regional and three tribal behavioral authorities, ADHS (Arizona Department of Health Services) provides children with treatment for serious mental illnesses, emotional disorders, general mental health and substance abuse problems. RBHA and tribal contractors (TRBHA) are responsible to plan, manage and/or deliver mental health and substance abuse services for Medicaid eligibility. The ADHS receives funds for people who are federally eligible for Medicaid and title XXL (kids care program) as well as state only funds. Non title funds are available but limited. According to associated press American Indians gather in New Mexico to discuss substance abuse issues and participate in cultural activities. According to Unity co-president Juanita Toledo of New Mexico's Jemez Pueblo says that preventing drug and alcohol abuse was voted top issue among youth this year by members of Model for others. This article tells me that Indians are fully aware of the efforts of drugs among their society and are actively trying to resolve these issues. I think the first step in resolving this problem is to educate the youth. This unfortunately may cause cultural difficulties. Traditionally Indians have had little or no influence in youth's future.
Images of the work: Page 1 http://zmeikov.no-ip.org/ETHS%202440%20-%20Native%20Amer.%20Culture%20(SS,%20DV)/JBrown_page1.jpg
A study done by the University of Colorado in Denver found that five out of ten cases of deaths among Native Americans are related to alcohol abuse and dependency. Data from the National Household survey on drug abuse (National, 1989) shows that about 50 percent of all U. S. adolescents have used alcohol. The comparable figure for American Indians and Alaskan Native Youth is approximately 80 percent. Early experimentation with alcohol and drugs places Native American youth, in particular, at risk for serious problems. What creates this situation and more to the point, what is happening to correct it (Gale, 2000)? Native Americans living in and out of reservations face serious problems that need to be resolved. Substance abuse is a major cause of many social problems among them including death and disability among the people both on and off reservation lands. The substance abuse has a disproportionate impact on native people in all states due to the rural and remote character of American Indian lands, the lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services and significant social and cultural differences in urban areas where many native people move for education and work opportunities. Substance Abuse 2 In addition, Native American communities are challenged by inadequate workforce, lack of specialized programs, and language and distance barriers that face most rural areas. Alcohol remains the single most serious substance abuse problem facing Native American communities today, progressively severe patterns of drinking. Methamphetamine is a growing threat on reservation land. It is easily manufactured using common household products and over-the-counter medications. Some of the reasons, that allow such wide spread of substance among reservations, are, but not limited to: o Tribes did not adopt versions of the federal Controlled Substance Act, which addresses “designer” and lab-made drugs, so that "crystal meth" may in fact not be illegal on Indian land. o Tribes may not have jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservation. o Tribal justice systems often lack resources to address these cases effectively. For example, few tribes can afford detention centers to incarcerate offenders. There are many contributing factors as to why alcohol is still affecting Native Americans today. These include factors such as poverty, unemployment, loss of ancestral homes, broken promises and hostility Substance Abuse 3 from the white settlers, feelings of hopelessness, poor overall general health, and the collapse of the Native American family unit. Choices concerning alcohol and substance abuse are tied in some ways to self-esteem and the source of this esteem (Mason, 1985). Alcoholism in Indians stems partially form boredom, rebellion to whites as well as Indian authority figures, and lack of identity. Indian youth don’t seem to belong anywhere because their white peers all think that their traditions, customs and beliefs are all weird and odd. To fit in they abandon these things and soon they think that their ancestor’s traditions are odd and weird. If we gave Indian youth a chance to find themselves, whether it be through martial arts, strength tests, competitions between tribes or peers possibly they will find these of other such activities as good avenues for dealing with stress and anger. “I myself am a Native American and a recovering alcoholic-addict. Utilizing a 12-step program and a Native American culture based program of recovery have given me the strength and “tools” to stay clean and sober (Jones, 2009). Unfortunately Indian program specialists nation wide can site various examples including test results that show tribal youth demonstrating lower self-confidence and esteem than the public at
Substance Abuse 4 large. Potentially causing more and deeper substance use and abuse and other variables such as self hate, cultural shame, and depression fuel the fore of substance abuse. Drinking for the Indians can also be used as a way to achieve some temporary respite from their sometimes meager living arrangements that allow no privacy, living conditions such as no electricity, running water, or any distractions. These things all added up to them disappearing into an alcohol induced stupor (non12step.com). Native American youth who are being blended into “white” society are not being aw readily accepted as we would like. To whites the Indians are very peculiar with their customs, religions, and traditions. White society is partially to blame for the Indian youth’s feelings of shame, self-hatred, and low self-esteem because they do not make it easy for Indians to become a part of their respective culture. They think the Indians ways of life are very strange and odd; therefore ignorance of their culture gives them fear. This makes Indian youth feel ashamed to be associated with something that their peers don’t understand and are fearful of. They are lead to believe that the ways of their people are strange, wrong, and bizarre compared to the white mans life. Teachings of Native Americans include family values, honesty, spirituality, and their ancient traditions are also taught to Substance Abuse 5 white youth and are applied by all cultures. If we had more classes/opportunities to learn and ponder over Native American cultures these negative feelings towards Indians may stop and may even eventually lead to higher self-esteem, higher morale and feelings of self-worth in Native Americans of every age. Possibly another reason for such a high substance abuse problem in Native American culture in modern times could be linked to casino being built on some of the reservations. On some reservations tribes have opted to erect, operate, manage and own casinos under their own judgment and ideas. This has been a good idea and has benefited for some tribes, mainly because they have brought more financial stability to tribes and has improved living conditions and ways of life on the reservation. However casinos bring gambling to the reservation and more often than not gambling leads to drinking. For the Indians who already do not have a high tolerance for alcohol this is a bad idea and can potentially be harmful to them. Casinos are more than happy to give playing guests free drinks as long as they continue to spend money which in turn may take an already bad situation worse. Not only is there the problem of drinking but the loss of money is sure to follow in one form or another. The depression of loosing money is in a lot of cases going to lead to more drinking to temporarily
Substance Abuse 6 wash the problem away. A viscous circle will be created and will not stop until something drastic happens. This aspect brings up the question, are casinos really a good idea to be building on the reservations? Is it worth the financial help or other positive benefits to build casinos on reservations if it is aiding in killing Native Americans every year through substance abuse? Is there a way to regulate the distribution and consumption of alcohol better through the casinos/ Maybe not if these problems continue and cannot be controlled. Alcohol found its way into Native American culture by way of the early European settlers. When alcohol became an expected part of trading the Europeans settlers often were the ones who came out far better then the Indians. It wasn’t too much longer after that the Native Americans began to loose their hold on age-old cherished culture. They continue to loose more and more and even though alcohol wasn’t or isn’t the only factor for their disappearing culture it certainly posed a significant part of the process (Hissong, 2002). Native Americans have been genetically predisposed to crave ever-increasing amounts of alcohol during a rapid loss of control of their senses (Lamarine, 2005). Indians across the country in various tribes and communities are taking steps to eliminate substance abuse. Substance Abuse 7 The thought I growing that one way to battle against and conquer Indian alcohol and substance abuse is for tribal people to take the initiative and become part of the solution and not ht problem (Gale, 2000). Family is one very valuable resource to the Native Americans in their fight against substance abuse. Their family support group doesn’t just stop with their immediate family. It also includes people such as other tribal members, school personnel, tribal law enforcement, and the government can also provide assistance. Not only people but also tribal traditions, rituals, and customs can also help break the curse of substance abuse among Native Americans. Getting them, especially youth, to focus on tribal traditions can show them what is important in life for them to put their efforts, time, and money towards. Substance abuse (particularly alcohol) has a disproportionate impact among Indians. There is a lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services. In addition there are a low number of inadequate opportunities for work and lack of specialized programs. Arizona's division of behavioral health system provides the public treatment and prevention system for mental health and substance abuse. Through contracts with five regional and three tribal behavioral authorities, ADHS (Arizona Department of Health Services) provides children with treatment for serious mental illnesses, emotional disorders,
Substance Abuse 8 general mental health and substance abuse problems. RBHA and tribal contractors (TRBHA) are responsible to plan, manage and/or deliver mental health and substance abuse services for Medicaid eligibility. The ADHS receives funds for people who are federally eligible for Medicaid and title XXL (kids care program) as well as state only funds. Non title funds are available but limited. According to associated press American Indians gather in New Mexico to discuss substance abuse issues and participate in cultural activities. According to Unity co-president Juanita Toledo of New Mexico's Jemez Pueblo says that preventing drug and alcohol abuse was voted top issue among youth this year by members of Model for others. Indians are fully aware of the efforts of drugs among their society and are actively trying to resolve these issues. I think the first step in resolving this problem is to educate the youth. This unfortunately may cause cultural difficulties. Traditionally Indians have had little or no influence in their youth's future. Alcoholism in any culture, Native American or any other is like an iceberg, in the aspect that all you see is the small and harmless tip. The huge mass submerged underneath contains a whole multitude of physical, emotional, financial, and personal problems that will surely be found however it may be taken lightly no matter what culture or people it is affecting. There are solutions to this problem but it Substance Abuse 9 requires the courage to first and foremost acknowledge that there is a problem, implement a plan to change or remedy the situation and withstand the temptations from those who benefit and profit from substance abuse. The solutions to these problems include Collaboration with Native American Communities to establish effective treatments and prevention of substance abuse among the people. These acts should include, but not limited to: o Establish aggressive engagement strategies against substance abuse on and off reservation lands o Focus on infusing effective, culturally appropriate treatments and prevention strategies for substance abuse. o provide intensive training to hospital staff, tribal law enforcement, social services and tribal substance abuse professionals on crisis intervention, treatment and recovery of abusers. o Incorporate Traditional Healing Practices and use Local Resources to maximize effectiveness of prevention. o Strong tribal leadership dedicated to improving conditions on the reservations We must act now in order to prevent any further complications of this problem before it is too late to reverse the damage. We need to Substance Abuse 10 alarm our society and approach this matter with firm actions and social awareness in order to have effective treatment.
Works Cited Gale, Nancy (July 07, 2000). “Fighting Alcohol and Substance Abuse among American Indians And Alaskan Native Youth. ERIC digest.” Retrieved 7-6-2009 from http://www.ericdigest.org/pre-9221/indian.htm
Gerard, Susan: Director Arizona Department of Health Services ( June 16, 2005), Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse in Native American Communities
Hissong, Cheryl (7-6-2002). “Alcohol among Native Americans.” Retrieved 7-6- 2009 from http://www.essortment. Com/all/nativeamerican_ragq.htm
Lamarine, Ronald J., H.S.D. (September 1988). Journal of Community Health: Vol. 13 No. 3. Alcohol Abuse Among Native Americans (pp143-155)
Jones, Tom (March 9, 2006) posted quote in response to “Many Native American Death Linked to Alcohol” (March 30, 2006). Retrieved (7-6-2009) from http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2006/many-native-american-deaths.htm
Unknown Author (December 30, 2008) “Native Americans: Alcohol Abuse and Treatment” Retrieved (7-8-09) from http.//www.non12stepprogram.com/blog/alcohol-treatment/native-american-alcohol-abuse-and-treatment.htm
Prevention & Treatment of Substance Abuse in Native American Communities
ReplyDeleteNative Americans living in and out of reservations face serious problems that needs to be resolved. Substance abuse is a major cause of many social problems among them including death and disability among the people both on and off reservation lands. The substance abuse has a disproportionate impact on native people in all states due to the rural and remote character of American Indian lands, the lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services and significant social and cultural differences in urban areas where many native people move for education and work opportunities. In addition, Native American communities are challenged by inadequate workforce, lack of specialized programs, and language and distance barriers that face most rural areas.
o Alcohol remains the single most serious substance abuse problem facing Native American communities today, progressively severe patterns of drinking.
o Methamphetamine is a growing threat on reservation land. Easily manufactured using common household products and over-the-counter medications.
Some of the reasons, that allow such wide spread of substance among reservations, are, but not limited to:
o Tribes did not adopt versions of the federal Controlled Substance Act, which addresses “designer” and lab-made drugs, so that "crystal meth" may in fact not be illegal on Indian land.
o Tribes may not have jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservation.
o Tribal justice systems often lack resources to address these cases effectively. For example, few tribes can afford detention centers to incarcerate offenders.
The solution to these problems include Collaboration with Native American Communities to establish effective treatments and prevention of substance abuse among the people. These acts should include, but not limited to:
o Establish aggressive engagement strategies against substance abuse on and off reservation lands
o Focus on infusing effective, culturally appropriate treatments and prevention strategies for substance abuse.
o provide intensive training to hospital staff, tribal law enforcement, social services and tribal substance abuse professionals on crisis intervention, treatment and recovery of abusers.
o Incorporate Traditional Healing Practices and use Local Resources to maximize effectiveness of prevention.
o Strong tribal leadership dedicated to improving conditions on the reservations
We must act now in order to prevent any further complications of this problem before it is too late to reverse the damage. We need to alarm our society and approach this matter with firm actions and social awareness in order to have effective treatment.
References
Gerard, Susan: Director Arizona Department of Health Services (June 16, 2005), Prevention & Treatment of Substance Abuse in Native American Communities
Here is the paper that Bryan wrote:
ReplyDeletehttp://zmeikov.no-ip.org/ETHS%202440%20-%20Native%20Amer.%20Culture%20(SS,%20DV)/Alcoholism%20in%20Native%20Americans.doc
How alcohol was introduced
ReplyDeleteSubstance abuse is a huge health and social problem that has followed Native Americans since it was introduced to them by early European settlers. A theory is that traders introduced it to Native Americans because of the effects it had on their reasoning. This way traders could make better deals. Alcohol addiction caused the Indians to be cheated and slaughtered.
Contributing factors
There are many contributing factors as to why alcohol is still affecting Native Americans today. These include factors such as poverty, unemployment, loss of ancestral homes, broken promises and hostility from the white settlers, feelings of hopelessness, poor overall general health, and the collapse of the Native American family unit.
Native American youth
The Native American youth begins to experiment early with drugs and alcohol. Some people believe this is due to youth struggling with their identities as Indians. There seems to be a lack of strong cultural heritage to lead them. Alcohol and drug abuse are usually family and community problems. This affects all the tribal members.
Solutions
Some tribal members feel that Native American youth will make better choices about their lives if they know more about--and take a more active part in--their tribal heritage. This could help the youth have a more positive self-esteem.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana healing principles to help substance abuse:
1. The solution for the problems with alcohol and substance abuse must come from within the communities.
2. We must discover the life-preserving, life-enhancing values of our traditional culture.
3. An ongoing learning process is required.
4. The well-being of the individual is inseparable from the well-being of the community.
Jeff Brown
ReplyDeleteSubstance abuse (particularly alcohol) has a disproportionate impact among Indians. Lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services. In addition there are a low number of inadequate opportunities for work and lack of specialized programs. Arizona's division of behavioral health system provides the public treatment and prevention system for mental health and substance abuse. Through contracts with five regional and three tribal behavioral authorities, ADHS (Arizona Department of Health Services) provides children with treatment for serious mental illnesses, emotional disorders, general mental health and substance abuse problems. RBHA and tribal contractors (TRBHA) are responsible to plan, manage and/or deliver mental health and substance abuse services for Medicaid eligibility. The ADHS receives funds for people who are federally eligible for Medicaid and title XXL (kids care program) as well as state only funds. Non title funds are available but limited. According to associated press American Indians gather in New Mexico to discuss substance abuse issues and participate in cultural activities. According to Unity co-president Juanita Toledo of New Mexico's Jemez Pueblo says that preventing drug and alcohol abuse was voted top issue among youth this year by members of Model for others. This article tells me that Indians are fully aware of the efforts of drugs among their society and are actively trying to resolve these issues. I think the first step in resolving this problem is to educate the youth. This unfortunately may cause cultural difficulties. Traditionally Indians have had little or no influence in youth's future.
Images of the work:
Page 1
http://zmeikov.no-ip.org/ETHS%202440%20-%20Native%20Amer.%20Culture%20(SS,%20DV)/JBrown_page1.jpg
Page 2
http://zmeikov.no-ip.org/ETHS%202440%20-%20Native%20Amer.%20Culture%20(SS,%20DV)/JBrown_page2.jpg
Substance Abuse 1
ReplyDeleteSubstance Abuse
A study done by the University of Colorado in Denver found that five out of ten cases of deaths among Native Americans are related to alcohol abuse and dependency. Data from the National Household survey on drug abuse (National, 1989) shows that about 50 percent of all U. S. adolescents have used alcohol. The comparable figure for American Indians and Alaskan Native Youth is approximately 80 percent. Early experimentation with alcohol and drugs places Native American youth, in particular, at risk for serious problems. What creates this situation and more to the point, what is happening to correct it (Gale, 2000)?
Native Americans living in and out of reservations face serious problems that need to be resolved. Substance abuse is a major cause of many social problems among them including death and disability among the people both on and off reservation lands. The substance abuse has a disproportionate impact on native people in all states due to the rural and remote character of American Indian lands, the lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services and significant social and cultural differences in urban areas where many native people move for education and work opportunities.
Substance Abuse 2
In addition, Native American communities are challenged by inadequate workforce, lack of specialized programs, and language and distance barriers that face most rural areas.
Alcohol remains the single most serious substance abuse problem facing Native American communities today, progressively severe patterns of drinking. Methamphetamine is a growing threat on reservation land. It is easily manufactured using common household products and over-the-counter medications.
Some of the reasons, that allow such wide spread of substance among reservations, are, but not limited to:
o Tribes did not adopt versions of the federal Controlled Substance Act, which addresses “designer” and lab-made drugs, so that "crystal meth" may in fact not be illegal on Indian land.
o Tribes may not have jurisdiction to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes on reservation.
o Tribal justice systems often lack resources to address these cases effectively. For example, few tribes can afford detention centers to incarcerate offenders.
There are many contributing factors as to why alcohol is still affecting Native Americans today. These include factors such as poverty, unemployment, loss of ancestral homes, broken promises and hostility
Substance Abuse 3
from the white settlers, feelings of hopelessness, poor overall general health, and the collapse of the Native American family unit.
Choices concerning alcohol and substance abuse are tied in some ways to self-esteem and the source of this esteem (Mason, 1985). Alcoholism in Indians stems partially form boredom, rebellion to whites
as well as Indian authority figures, and lack of identity. Indian youth don’t seem to belong anywhere because their white peers all think that their traditions, customs and beliefs are all weird and odd. To fit in they abandon these things and soon they think that their ancestor’s traditions are odd and weird. If we gave Indian youth a chance to find themselves, whether it be through martial arts, strength tests, competitions between tribes or peers possibly they will find these of other such activities as good avenues for dealing with stress and anger.
“I myself am a Native American and a recovering alcoholic-addict. Utilizing a 12-step program and a Native American culture based program of recovery have given me the strength and “tools” to stay clean and sober (Jones, 2009).
Unfortunately Indian program specialists nation wide can site various examples including test results that show tribal youth demonstrating lower self-confidence and esteem than the public at
Substance Abuse 4
ReplyDeletelarge. Potentially causing more and deeper substance use and abuse and other variables such as self hate, cultural shame, and depression fuel the fore of substance abuse. Drinking for the Indians can also be used as a way to achieve some temporary respite from their sometimes meager living arrangements that allow no privacy, living
conditions such as no electricity, running water, or any distractions. These things all added up to them disappearing into an alcohol induced stupor (non12step.com).
Native American youth who are being blended into “white” society are not being aw readily accepted as we would like. To whites the Indians are very peculiar with their customs, religions, and traditions. White society is partially to blame for the Indian youth’s feelings of shame, self-hatred, and low self-esteem because they do not make it easy for Indians to become a part of their respective culture. They think the Indians ways of life are very strange and odd; therefore ignorance of their culture gives them fear. This makes Indian youth feel ashamed to be associated with something that their peers don’t understand and are fearful of. They are lead to believe that the ways of their people are strange, wrong, and bizarre compared to the white mans life. Teachings of Native Americans include family values, honesty, spirituality, and their ancient traditions are also taught to
Substance Abuse 5 white youth and are applied by all cultures. If we had more classes/opportunities to learn and ponder over Native American cultures these negative feelings towards Indians may stop and may even eventually lead to higher self-esteem, higher morale and feelings of self-worth in Native Americans of every age.
Possibly another reason for such a high substance abuse problem in Native American culture in modern times could be linked to casino being built on some of the reservations. On some reservations tribes have opted to erect, operate, manage and own casinos under their own judgment and ideas. This has been a good idea and has benefited for some tribes, mainly because they have brought more financial stability to tribes and has improved living conditions and ways of life on the reservation. However casinos bring gambling to the reservation and more often than not gambling leads to drinking. For the Indians who already do not have a high tolerance for alcohol this is a bad idea and can potentially be harmful to them. Casinos are more than happy to give playing guests free drinks as long as they continue to spend money which in turn may take an already bad situation worse. Not only is there the problem of drinking but the loss of money is sure to follow in one form or another. The depression of loosing money is in a lot of cases going to lead to more drinking to temporarily
Substance Abuse 6
ReplyDeletewash the problem away. A viscous circle will be created and will not stop until something drastic happens.
This aspect brings up the question, are casinos really a good idea to be building on the reservations? Is it worth the financial help or other positive benefits to build casinos on reservations if it is aiding in killing Native Americans every year through substance abuse? Is there a way to regulate the distribution and consumption of alcohol better through the casinos/ Maybe not if these problems continue and cannot be controlled.
Alcohol found its way into Native American culture by way of the early European settlers. When alcohol became an expected part of trading the Europeans settlers often were the ones who came out far better then the Indians. It wasn’t too much longer after that the Native Americans began to loose their hold on age-old cherished culture. They continue to loose more and more and even though alcohol wasn’t or isn’t the only factor for their disappearing culture it certainly posed a significant part of the process (Hissong, 2002).
Native Americans have been genetically predisposed to crave ever-increasing amounts of alcohol during a rapid loss of control of their senses (Lamarine, 2005). Indians across the country in various tribes and communities are taking steps to eliminate substance abuse.
Substance Abuse 7
The thought I growing that one way to battle against and conquer Indian alcohol and substance abuse is for tribal people to take the initiative and become part of the solution and not ht problem (Gale, 2000). Family is one very valuable resource to the Native Americans in their fight against substance abuse. Their family support group doesn’t
just stop with their immediate family. It also includes people such as other tribal members, school personnel, tribal law enforcement, and the government can also provide assistance. Not only people but also tribal traditions, rituals, and customs can also help break the curse of substance abuse among Native Americans. Getting them, especially youth, to focus on tribal traditions can show them what is important in life for them to put their efforts, time, and money towards.
Substance abuse (particularly alcohol) has a disproportionate impact among Indians. There is a lack of infrastructure on reservations to deliver treatment and prevention services. In addition there are a low number of inadequate opportunities for work and lack of specialized programs. Arizona's division of behavioral health system provides the public treatment and prevention system for mental health and substance abuse. Through contracts with five regional and three tribal behavioral authorities, ADHS (Arizona Department of Health Services) provides children with treatment for serious mental illnesses, emotional disorders,
Substance Abuse 8
ReplyDeletegeneral mental health and substance abuse problems. RBHA and tribal contractors (TRBHA) are responsible to plan, manage and/or deliver mental health and substance abuse services for Medicaid eligibility. The ADHS receives funds for people who are federally eligible for Medicaid and title XXL (kids care program) as well as state only funds. Non title funds are available but limited. According to associated press American Indians gather in New Mexico to discuss substance abuse issues and participate in cultural activities. According to Unity co-president Juanita Toledo of New Mexico's Jemez Pueblo says that preventing drug and alcohol abuse was voted top issue among youth this year by members of Model for others. Indians are fully aware of the efforts of drugs among their society and are actively trying to resolve these issues. I think the first step in resolving this problem is to educate the youth. This unfortunately may cause cultural difficulties. Traditionally Indians have had little or no influence in their youth's future.
Alcoholism in any culture, Native American or any other is like an iceberg, in the aspect that all you see is the small and harmless tip. The huge mass submerged underneath contains a whole multitude of physical, emotional, financial, and personal problems that will surely be found however it may be taken lightly no matter what culture or people it is affecting. There are solutions to this problem but it
Substance Abuse 9
requires the courage to first and foremost acknowledge that there is a problem, implement a plan to change or remedy the situation and
withstand the temptations from those who benefit and profit from substance abuse.
The solutions to these problems include Collaboration with Native American Communities to establish effective treatments and prevention of substance abuse among the people. These acts should
include, but not limited to:
o Establish aggressive engagement strategies against substance abuse on and off reservation lands
o Focus on infusing effective, culturally appropriate treatments and prevention strategies for substance abuse.
o provide intensive training to hospital staff, tribal law enforcement, social services and tribal substance abuse professionals on crisis intervention, treatment and recovery of abusers.
o Incorporate Traditional Healing Practices and use Local Resources to maximize effectiveness of prevention.
o Strong tribal leadership dedicated to improving conditions on the reservations
We must act now in order to prevent any further complications of this problem before it is too late to reverse the damage. We need to
Substance Abuse 10
alarm our society and approach this matter with firm actions and social awareness in order to have effective treatment.
Works Cited
Gale, Nancy (July 07, 2000).
“Fighting Alcohol and Substance Abuse among American Indians
And Alaskan Native Youth. ERIC digest.” Retrieved 7-6-2009 from http://www.ericdigest.org/pre-9221/indian.htm
Gerard, Susan: Director Arizona Department of Health Services ( June 16,
2005), Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse in Native
American Communities
Hissong, Cheryl (7-6-2002).
“Alcohol among Native Americans.” Retrieved 7-6- 2009 from
http://www.essortment. Com/all/nativeamerican_ragq.htm
Lamarine, Ronald J., H.S.D. (September 1988). Journal of Community
Health: Vol. 13 No. 3. Alcohol Abuse Among Native Americans
(pp143-155)
Jones, Tom (March 9, 2006) posted quote in response to “Many Native
American Death Linked to Alcohol” (March 30, 2006). Retrieved
(7-6-2009) from http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2006/many-native-american-deaths.htm
Unknown Author (December 30, 2008)
“Native Americans: Alcohol Abuse and Treatment” Retrieved
(7-8-09) from http.//www.non12stepprogram.com/blog/alcohol-treatment/native-american-alcohol-abuse-and-treatment.htm
Sorry I don't konw how to post it as a link. Feel free to edit, add and make any changes that you think it needs.
ReplyDelete