Alcoholism Prevention/Treatment and Native American Youth: A Community Approach

Abstract

This paper addresses prevention, education and treatment approaches for combatting problems of alcohol abuse with American Indian children, adolescents and their families. Community involvement is emphasized. Included are primary prevention interventions which promote alternative activities to drinking while emphasizing positive feelings of self-esteem and identity. Also recommended are secondary prevention alcoholism programs which provide information regarding alcohol while encouraging responsible decision-making regarding drinking behaviors. Additional suggestions identify resources which can be made available to Indian youth who are developing problem-drinking behaviors. A task group approach is recommended for identifying problem-drinking behaviors in specific communities and developing viable programs to address these needs.