Effects of Alcoholism on the Individual and Community
Male Northern Plains Indians have the highest rate of alcoholism issues among the various tribes. The genetic disposition to alcoholism is now prevalent within the Native American demographic, yet the level of tolerance is not as strong in them. These two characteristics together create a difficult problem in terms of genetics because the tendency to drink is there but the resistance to its effects are low. This leads to a high rate of alcohol related injury and death due to the addictive tendency blended with low internal defenses. Binge drinking is common for this demographic, which demonstrates that the problem is the lack of control one may experience once the drinking starts. Approximately 1 in every 10 deaths of Native Americans are alcohol related.
Alcoholism is connected to other problems within Native American communities such as domestic violence, sexual assault and long term depression. The full context of the problems that alcoholism brings into the community is as equal as the impact of the substance on individual’s body and brain. The cultural psychology and lifestyle of the indigenous people have been altered by the effects of alcoholism. “There are compelling data on AI/AN substance-related morbidity and mortality, and there is pressure from communities to overcome these health disparities and to promote health equity by capitalizing on AI/AN resources and strengths. Problems and psychosocial disadvantages among AI/AN communities have been clearly identified and described and it is critical to continue to move toward research that will directly translate into improving health status for these populations” (Etz, Arroyo, et al., 374).
Research on the social and biochemical level is necessary to advance the true understanding of predictors, influences and effective treatment.
Alcoholism is connected to other problems within Native American communities such as domestic violence, sexual assault and long term depression. The full context of the problems that alcoholism brings into the community is as equal as the impact of the substance on individual’s body and brain. The cultural psychology and lifestyle of the indigenous people have been altered by the effects of alcoholism. “There are compelling data on AI/AN substance-related morbidity and mortality, and there is pressure from communities to overcome these health disparities and to promote health equity by capitalizing on AI/AN resources and strengths. Problems and psychosocial disadvantages among AI/AN communities have been clearly identified and described and it is critical to continue to move toward research that will directly translate into improving health status for these populations” (Etz, Arroyo, et al., 374).
Research on the social and biochemical level is necessary to advance the true understanding of predictors, influences and effective treatment.