American Indian elders share personal stories of alcohol use with younger tribal members

In this Great Lakes Indian reservation qualitative study we utilized focus groups in the form of talking circles to elicit tribal members' views of alcohol use. We report on how the elder participants utilized the talking circles to inform the youth of the deleterious effects of alcohol use and abuse. Indigenous research methods were utilized so elder tribal members were consulted about the study; an elder was hired as a research associate; youth were hired as note takers/observers; and the 2-hour groups were led by a tribal community member. Demographic data were gathered, and a semistructured guide with substance use questions was utilized. Tribal members, 30 females and 19 males, age 12 to 78 participated in 8 talking circles (N = 49). Tribal elders unexpectedly utilized the format as an opportunity for cross-generational storytelling to convey their own oral histories of the harmful effects of alcohol use for the younger participants. They shared personal pathways to quitting or to a reduction in drinking with messages aimed at preventing the youth from initiating drinking. A shortage of American Indian (AI) substance abuse treatment programs that are culturally relevant exists. The widespread and renewed use of cross-generational talking circles could serve as an inexpensive substance abuse prevention and intervention treatment modality for AI youth. The elders' stories highlight the need to rejuvenate traditional methods of healing among AIs to reduce the initiation and/or harmful effects of overuse of alcohol among AI youth.