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Native American drinking: a neglected subject of study and research
1Washburn University Topeka, Kansas.
Journal of Drug Education
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Native American alcoholism, violence, and suicide are critical issues often overlooked in textbooks. A review found most texts inadequately address Native American drinking, highlighting a need for deeper cultural, psychological, and biological insights.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Native Americans experience disproportionately high rates of alcoholism, violence, suicide, and premature mortality.
- Existing academic literature, particularly textbooks, often provides superficial coverage of these critical issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the extent to which Native American drinking patterns and related issues are addressed in alcoholism and substance misuse textbooks.
- To identify gaps in the literature concerning the unique cultural, psychological, and biological factors influencing Native American alcohol consumption.
Main Methods:
- A content analysis was conducted on twenty-six prominent textbooks in the field of alcoholism and substance misuse.
- The analysis specifically assessed the depth and detail dedicated to discussions of Native American drinking behaviors and associated challenges.
Main Results:
- Only four out of the twenty-six analyzed textbooks offered a detailed examination of Native American drinking.
- The majority of textbooks provided only cursory treatment, failing to explore the complexities of the issue.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant deficit in the comprehensive coverage of Native American alcohol use and its associated problems within current educational materials.
- Increased attention is urgently needed to explore the multifaceted cultural, psychological, and biological dimensions of drinking and drunkenness within this population.