The Epidemiology of Alcohol Abuse among American Indians: The Mythical and Real Properties

Abstract

Because of the drunken Indian stereotype and other myths often associated with American Indians, it is important to critically examine the detailed evidence that best defines the epidemiology of alcohol abuse among Indians and particular tribal communities. Public health understandings and programs must be based not on myth but on fact. In this paper, twelve major myths, statements, and questions about the nature of the alcohol abuse problem are reviewed. An analysis of current mortality data and an understanding of the extant literature will reveal that many current myths are either false or, at best, half-truths.\nThe literature on American Indians, at one time rather small, has grown to a substantial body of useful documents. In a bibliography of the relevant Indian alcohol literature published before 1977, Mail and McDonald list 969 works. The number published since 1977 is anyone’s guess and a task for future research. One would be safe in assuming, however, that the literature has at least doubled in the last fifteen years. Furthermore, it is evident to those of us in this field that the quality of information and data has improved in some areas. With such an extensive and growing body of literature, there is no excuse for one to operate on myth and common knowledge. Although not all questions are answered in the literature, many certainly are. The literature needs to be used more by students, scholars, public health workers, health officials, and tribal groups. A critical reading can advance knowledge greatly.\nA series of common myths, questions, and statements regarding alcohol and Indians is presented below. Some of these myths have been presented before. They do not seem to go away, even though more evidence is accumulated that speaks directly to them. The evidence for and against various myths and common beliefs is summarized in a very terse fashion in this paper. References cited, however, contain much more detail for the interested reader to consult.

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