Introduction
As per the federal report, about 12% deaths of American Indians are attributed to alcohol related issues and the percentage is three times higher than that of rest of the US population. There are two types of Indian drinkers - anxiety drinkers who ridden with emotional psychological, medical and social problems drink excessively and another is recreational drinkers who drink inordinate amounts of alcohol when they do drink. The second type is the most common among Indian Native Americans who account for all types of alcohol induced accidents. Though the Indian communities are now saturated with a culture of alcohol, it was not the case always. This essay will highlight the factors contributing to alcoholism in Indian communities, its consequences and preventive interventions.
Contributing Factors to Alcoholism
European Colonization
Before European colonization, the indigenous people of the US mainly used fermented beverages in ceremonial occasions. The use of any potent form of alcohol was alien to them. Due to the colonialists serving as powerful model of alcohol abuse, the Native Americans too got into the habit of excessive intoxication. Early colonial traders thus created a demand for alcohol among native Indians by trading alcohol with animal hides and other resources. Traders also tried to introduce heavy drinking spree during trading sessions by providing free alcohol to get advantage in trade deals. Thus an unregulated demand and strong encouragement for drinking created a tradition of heavy alcohol drinking among native Indians which having passed down from one generation to another has resulted in the current issue of alcohol related problems.
Boarding Schools
Until very recently Indian children were forcibly taken away from their homes to join boarding school in a mission of 'Kill the Indian in him and save the man." The schools were strictly disciplinary and students were not allowed to speak their native tongue or practice anything of their traditions. They were taught discipline through severe punishment. Children were not allowed to see their parents and family members for months and years. Indian Americans raised in boarding schools try to employ the same draconian disciplinary tactics on their own children. It has been seen that the use of alcohol by Indian Americans who grew up in boarding schools is higher than others.
Socio-economic Condition
The socio-economic condition is a contributing factor to the high rate of alcohol abuse among Indian communities. Unemployment rate is very high among Native Americans. Very few of them complete school and the basic support system of their community is not fully developed and all of these issues put together create stressful atmosphere in the families of Indian communities. Their basic needs are not met and hence they seek comfort in heavy drinking.
Societal Factors and Cultural Beliefs
Societal factors also attribute to alcoholism in Indian Americans who look upon drinking alcohol as a means of interacting and strengthening bond with the family members and friends. Also their cultural belief that spiritual forces are responsible for a behavior and their tendency to seek solution through ceremonial realm only adds to the growing problem of alcoholism because one can easily shrug off his responsibility saying that the problem is out of his control and continue drinking without seeking any assistance to acquire sobriety.
Consequences
The mortality rate of Indian Americans due to alcohol is three times higher than the general US population. Indian Americans tend to take drugs along with alcohol and many surveys show that the use of all sorts of drugs and marijuana along with alcoholic beverages is higher among Indians compared to non-Indians. Resultantly, the combination of drugs and alcohol make a combined damaging effect on their health, increasing the mortality rate every year by leaps and bounds. Fatal automobile accidents, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, fatal injuries in fall, alcohol related suicide and homicides account for majority of the deaths of Indian Americans. One study shows that 68% deaths of Indian men were due to alcohol.
Preventive Interventions
In the event of death tolls among Indian communities increasing due to alcohol related issues, it is imperative to undertake some preventive measures. In order to develop robust preventive strategies it is important to address the factors contributing to the increasing problem of alcoholism so that the problem can be eliminated from its root. In recent years, American Indian communities have taken the prevention of alcohol abuse with high priority with school personnel, community leaders and healthcare providers making endeavors to constitute various effective preventive interventions. If the interventions can be utilized effectively then the problem can be arrested to a great degree.
Conclusion
The percentage of deaths among Indian communities due to alcohol is three times higher than the general US population. The prevalence of alcoholism in the culture of Indian communities is attributed to a lot many factors including European colonization, boarding schools, socio economic condition and cultural beliefs. Alcoholism in Indian communities results in grievous consequences with liver disease, suicide, fatal car accidents, homicide and heart failures among others. Looking at the increasing number of alcohol related deaths among Native Americans it is about time to take some preventive interventions so that the problem can be put to rest effectively.
Bibliography
Beauvais, Fred. American Indians and Alcohol. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). 1998. Accessed June 24, 2013. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh22-4/253.pdf
Bear, Charla. American Indian Boarding Schools Haunt Many, National Public Radio.2008. Accessed June 24, 2013. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16516865
Study: 12% of Indian deaths due to alcohol, The Associated Press. 2008. Accessed June 24, 2013. <http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-08-28-alcohol-indians_N.htm?csp=34>
