"Alcohol is something that been with us like a common cold": Community perceptions of American Indian drinking

Nicole P. Yuan, Emery R. Eaves, Mary P. Koss, Mona Polacca, Keith Bletzer, David Goldman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined tribal members' perspectives on alcohol, risk factors, consequences, and community responses. Focus groups were conducted with five American Indian tribes between 1997 and 2001. Participants were knowledgeable of the cultural lives of their reservation communities. Although there was agreement regarding the pervasiveness of heavy drinking, participants reported different opinions about the meaning of alcohol and appropriate intervention strategies. Three dilemmas were identified, suggesting that community ambivalence may serve as a barrier to reducing problem drinking. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed. The study was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1909-1929
Number of pages21
JournalSubstance Use and Misuse
Volume45
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alcohol
  • American Indian
  • Prevention
  • Qualitative research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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