Alcohol and Native Americans - Literature review Example

[Teacher’s Alcohol and Native Americans The use of alcohol in Native Americans is much higher as compared to the rest of the population. In fact, studies show that one out of ten Native Americans die due to the alcohol. Looking at the history, the usage of alcohol all started at the time of increased trade between European visitors and Native Americans. It was a new product which immediately fascinated them and was often traded in exchange for their goods. It didn’t take long for the alcohol to spread on a vast scale among the Native American population and turn them into an oppressed society forever. With this continuous deterioration of the Native American culture, the Native Americans started losing themselves completely in the European colonization. In that era of colonization, the Native Americans were treated very harshly. They were not considered as being equal to the white people, and were left with no choice but to accept the modernization culture. This new culture wasn’t considered appropriate to be followed by them but if rejected, there was a danger of getting isolated from the rest of the world. They had no choice, no hope left and as a result, they plunged deeper in the alcohol to get rid of the shock of losing their identity forever. Maria Brave Heart (2003) has described the alcoholic problems among Native Americans a result of historical trauma experienced by its society. Don L. Coyhis and William L. White (2006) in their book have mentioned that in the past, both colonizing and colonized cultures had gone through evolution and alcohol was a major factor towards it. It had adverse effects not only on the health of the people consuming alcohol, but on their society and culture as a whole. The weakening of their culture followed by the decline of Native Americans is now nothing, but a product of depression, unemployment, poor education, low self-esteem, and conflicts. Due to the consumption of alcohol, which often extends to become drug abuse, the Native Americans are suffering from liver and heart diseases along with an increasing rate of suicide. It is a disease that leads to craving, addiction, physical dependence, and an urge for increased consumption to get numb so as to forget about sad and tough times. It is used as a means of relief at every stage of life, from teenagers to over worked middle aged people to the lonely elders. Alcohol abuse by pregnant women can result in Fetal Abnormal Syndrome, also known as (FAS), and is common among Native Americans. It has dire life time consequences, like those associated with memory, concentration span, vision, hearing, communication, and various others. With such conditions prevalent in a society, there is no surprise that the Native Americans are considered nothing but a defenseless and depressed portion of population in today’s world. Recently, in a published article by Jarman (2012), he stated a report by the federal centers for Disease Control and Federation, which announced that from 2001-2005, 11.7% of the deaths were alcohol related as compared to the 3.3% of the deaths in the whole of the U.S. Jarman says that the two leading causes of deaths were traffic accidents and alcoholic liver disease, each of which caused more than a quarter of the 1514 alcohol- related deaths over the four year period. Kennedy (1998) mentions that at the time of colonization, when Native Americans used to get alcohol in exchange for their goods, such as buffalo robes and fur, they were not even given good quality alcohol. The whisky given to them was a mixture of alcohol and anything to give color to the drink; burnt sugar, castile soap, ink, tea, and even strychnine which is a kind of poison. The Native Americans traded everything for this impure kind of whisky and eventually they were left with no power and no money. Nevertheless, it has been observed that many Native Americans have regained control over their lives and are now working as equals to the white people, in the hopes of bringing back their once lost culture and custom. Yet majority is still stuck in alcohol. Coyhis and White (2006) stated that the concept of alcohol was not exactly new to the Native Americans, but they had an excellent knowledge of botanical psychopharmacology. The plants, which included some forms of alcohol, and tobacco etc., were under their control and they used them to live in perfect harmony. The response towards the consumption of alcohol, however, varied within and outside the tribes. The problems started arising when this drinking alcohol started being used as a means of economic and cultural exploitation and the Native Americans became victims of physical and cultural violence. As mentioned by Schafer (1981), Native Americans in the early years were considered a low class society and not equal to the white people. Hence, there is a stark difference in the way they consume and respond towards alcohol, as compared to other tribes and races. Thatcher (2004), adding to Schafer’s research said that the excessive consumption of alcohol by Native Americans was due to lost identity and inferior class stereotypes generations of disgrace. He also mentioned the solutions and added that the only barrier to achieve those is the misconception of the actual reasons for the cause of alcohol consumption. Even though a portion of Native Americans is trying hard to regain stability, they still have a long way to go. It is not possible to bring back the old times but they can still manage to get back their old ways of traditions and cultures. Alcohol treatment programs and facilitating other Native American issues can help to restore their structure and break free of the alcohol and its consequences. Similarly, Native American women can play a very crucial role in the elimination of FASD, widely used for “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.” They can try to be more open and accepting which will make other women comfortable to talk about their problems and concerns. Today, the biggest challenge for Native America is to bring back its customs and heritage and change the false assumptions and stereotypes associated with it. Coyhis and White (2006) mentioned that previous Native American leaders who took steps in the resistance for alcohol and healing visionaries of early 1700s and onwards, did succeed in taking people out of danger at the time of American Expansion. Some of the famous examples included Wyoming Woman, George Copway, John Slocum, Wovoka and Quanah Parker. Awareness Programs and workshops conducted by Native Americans for their own people will also prove to be very beneficial to treat alcoholism. Counseling, increased optimization, and more focus on improving the educational system will help the people to break free of their alcoholic addiction and look beyond. That way the people will put in effort to preserve their future. Jarman (2012) talks about an article: “1 in 10 Native American deaths alcohol related” (2008) that mentioned a study recommending “culturally appropriate clinical interventions” which would help in reduction of excessive drinking and hence, drug abuse. Lastly, believing in and respecting the culture and prestige of others is our prime responsibility to create a positive and a more hopeful future. Still a lot more needs to be done for the Native Americans to earn back some status and respect in the society, and the recommended solutions mentioned above will surely bring a positive impact to them and community as a whole. Works cited Brave Heart, M.Y.H. 2003. “The historical trauma response among Natives and its relationship with substance abuse: a Lakota illustration”, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 35(1), 7-13 Coyhis, D. L. and White. W. L. 2006. “Alcohol Problems in Native America: The untold story of Resistance and Recovery- the Truth about the Lie”. 2006, 17-67. Print. Jarman, D. 2012. “1 in 10 Native American deaths alcohol related.” The Association Press 28 August 2008, Washington. Print. Kennedy, Margaret A. “Whisky Trade of the Northwestern Plains”. University of Kansas: Peter C. Mancall, 1998. Print. Schaefer, J.M. “Firewater myths revisited: Review of findings and some new directions”. Rutgers University: 68 (2007). Print. Thatcher, R (2004) “Fighting Firewater Fictions: Moving Beyond the Disease Model of Alcoholism in First Nations. Toronto”, University of Toronto Press.  T. Kue Young (1994) “The Health of Native Americans-Towards a bio cultural Epidemiology”, Oxford University Press Inc., 4-55 Winkel, Bethany. “Alcoholism among Native Americans.” n.p. Web. 31 March 2012. Read More