Alcohol policy considerations for Indian reservations and bordertown communities

For some topics, particularly in public health, summaries are dangerous because they may create the idea that a single or simple solution exists. This topic is one where a summary can create a false expectation of simplicity. There is no simple or easy solution to the problem of alcohol abuse in any community, especially reservation and bordertown communities in the western United States. The solution is complex, it must be comprehensive, and it will take a great deal of effort over time to reduce alcohol and substance abuse in any individual community. Indian communities must develop a comprehensive, consistent, and clearly defined alcohol prevention/intervention policy. Such a policy must utilize a systematic, public health approach that considers the physical, mental, and social well being of each and every individual within the region. It must address all types of problematic alcohol consumption, from sporadic alcohol consumption (light and heavy) to regular alcohol abuse and chronic alcoholism, for the problems found in Indian and bordertown communities arise from a variety of different drinking patterns. Presented in this paper are a large number of policy and prevention options that have been used successfully in human societies in various parts of the world and in the United States. The intent of the paper is to present and describe the variety of options for addressing alcohol problems that have been found to be of value in the control and reduction of alcohol abuse and related problems. The three broad categories of approach are: controlling the supply of alcoholic beverages through statute and regulation; shaping drinking practices directly; and reducing the physical and social environmental risks. Indian tribal councils and Native communities can, if they so desire, consider, debate, and enact any or all of these measures. The important issue is that they should be aware of these ideas for prevention and consider them carefully. If the preventive measures described here can be applied systematically and reasonably within the social and cultural contexts of a Native community, then the ultimate result should be positive. Readers are encouraged to read this paper carefully, to study the tables and figures, and if more detail is desired, to consult some of the many references found in the back. Comprehensive and positive alcohol policy has been ignored for too long in Indian country, and the resultant toll in morbidity, mortality, and suffering is too high. This paper presents the ingredients for a comprehensive policy. Each community need to work its own recipe.