Prevention Principles for American Indian Communities (From Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Prevention Among American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Issues in Cultural Competence, P 35-65, 2001, Joseph E. Trimble, Ph.D., and Fred Beauvais, Ph.D., eds. -- See NCJ-189792)

• NCJ Number: 189794
• Author(s): James R. Moran Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 31 pages
• Sale Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin (SAMHSA)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines some of the typical alcohol abuse prevention efforts in American Indian communities and common themes or best practices among them.

Abstract

As a group, American Indians experience many problems related to alcohol misuse. Age at first involvement with alcohol is younger, frequency and amount of drinking is greater, and negative consequences are more common for American Indians than for non-Indians. One of the first issues to consider in developing prevention programs in American Indian communities is how to overcome the community's historical distrust of the dominant society. Program workers should develop cultural sensitivity and should understand the concept of biculturalism, i.e., the ability to function successfully in the mainstream culture and yet maintain positive and significant cultural connections to the ethnic community. In addition, prevention work should involve the community in the process from start to finish. The article describes tertiary, secondary, and primary prevention efforts. It emphasizes frequently the importance of using American Indian persons as staff whenever possible, incorporating cultural competence concepts into the program, and promoting a comprehensive community approach to prevention. References