How Is Alcoholism Affecting Native Americans?

Alcoholism is defined as “a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally” (Dictionary.com). Why do so many native people view alcohol as the medication to resolve their troubles? To many natives, alcohol is a form of self-preservation against the cruelties of everyday life. However, their effort to escape everyday reality through alcohol is proven to only be a temporary fix and does not heal them of their troubles. This research paper’s aim is to examine how alcoholism is affecting the native community. First,
Lame Deer states, “We call liquor holy water. I guess visions were so important and sacred to us that having our minds altered and befuddled by whisky impressed us in the beginning like a religious experience, a dream, a vision” (Lame Deer 66). This quote is significant because it shows the importance of visions in native culture. Visions provide the seeker with an understanding of their life’s purpose. When the Europeans settlers arrived to the colonies they brought with them large amounts of alcohol which they traded with the locals. The Europeans strongly encouraged the native people to drink heavily, so that the natives would be more easily fooled during negotiations. Drinking was an opportunity for the natives to not only socialize, but also as a way for them to communicate to the spirit world. This encouragement by the Europeans may have contributed to the practice of heavy
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Native Americans are five times more likely than other ethnicities in the United States to die of alcohol-related causes” (NIAAA). Natives are quickly dying of alcohol related deaths such as liver disease, drinking and driving, suicide, and homicide. Alcohol related deaths are sometimes intentional with the inner desire to die rather than live and face reality. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is also a widespread problem throughout the community. According to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Center for Excellence, “Native Americans have some of the highest rates of fetal alcohol syndrome in the Nation. Among some tribes, the rates are as high as 1.5 to 2.5 per 1,000 live births” (FASDCE 2007). Aside from the health issues associated with heavy drinking, alcoholics also affects their surrounding families. Many family members feel ashamed, guilty, resentful and even hatred towards the alcoholic, such feels puts stress on the family. Family members may even resort to changing their own behavior to behave more like the alcoholic, which may turn them into an alcoholic as