The Native American community and alcoholism
During the past 100 years, the Native American Community in the US has been ravaged by alcoholism thanks in part to the inequities and limitations placed upon them by the federal government. They have seen their employment opportunities literally vanish which has accounted for a rise in Native American alcoholism rates. To help combat this, the government and many communities have established Native American alcohol treatment and recovery centers.
Native American alcohol treatment refers to any alcohol addiction treatment and recovery program that specifically targets the needs of these individuals. Vital issues such as hope, life, and tradition are incorporated into these treatment and recovery programs. These life-saving facilities now offer the Native American alcoholic hope in the face of insurmountable odds. The culture of alcoholism among Native Americans is taken into consideration with these programs as so many of them have grown up with it.
What typically happens during Native American alcohol treatment programs?
There are normally three components to Native American alcohol treatment programs – detox stage, counseling/therapy sessions, and aftercare. The detox or detoxification stage is referred to as the “drying out” part of treatment and recovery. During this stage, the consumption of alcohol is stopped. Additionally, the alcoholic must deal with numerous unpleasant withdrawal symptoms during this period of time. This is the first step to actually overcoming alcohol dependency.
Once detox is completed, the next stage involves group and individual counseling and therapy sessions. This oftentimes involves discussing the impact that life on the reservation has had on the individual and how it lead to their excessive drinking habits. It may also involve finding out if they grew up with alcoholic family members and peers. The object of this stage is to break the vicious cycle of alcohol dependency by teaching the person a new way of thinking and showing them how to prevent relapsing back into their dependency.
The final stage of Native American alcohol treatment programs is known the aftercare segment of the whole alcohol addiction treatment and recovery process. Aftercare programs serve as support mechanisms while enabling the recovering alcoholic a means to apply what they learned in the program. In so doing, there is greater chance that they will remain clean and sober for the rest of their lives once they have completed the program and returned home to the reservation.
Aftercare support will sometimes involve attending 12-Step meetings which AA occasionally holds meetings on the reservation as a method of continued support. This gives these individuals an opportunity to discuss their situation in a group of individuals who have suffered in similar fashion. The goal is that each individual will gain strength from this by sharing their circumstances and their successes.