The purpose of this paper is to highlight how racial stereotypes, such as the model minority stereotype, are contributing to the continued exclusion of Asian Americans in conversations concerning public health issues like alcohol use. The paper elaborates on potential reasons for the continued overlook of this subpopulation in the United States,…

Proposes modifications of Problem Centered Systems Therapy (PCST)--a practice model for assessment and treatment--that addresses bicultural counseling with black families in general and black alcoholic families in particular. Defines culturally sensitive concepts considered important to treatment and integrates the identified concepts in…

Counseling which emphasizes spiritual concerns in treatment approaches must note the impact of alcoholism on different racial groups; counselors should not presume that the dominant culture's definition of spirituality applies to the client. The spiritual development of recovering alcoholics within the context of their culture is the focus of this…

To better serve people in a counseling relationship, it is useful to understand them not only culturally, but demographically as well. This paper traces historical, religious, demographic aspects and treatment of alcohol abuse in African Americans. Historically, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence have varied for African Americans. During the…

The Cultural Assessment Model assumes that Chicano alcohol abusers need to recreate their self-image which has been rejected, ridiculed, and submerged through the process of oppression, thus, resulting in cultural ambivalency and paradoxical behavior. This model identifies cultural values, beliefs, and behavioral characteristics that may be…

The Addiction Severity Index (ASI), used throughout the United States and other countries, is the most widely used assessment tool in the addictions field. It is a semi-structured assessment instrument designed for use with clients for substance abuse treatment. The ASI gathers information in seven important areas of a patient's life: medical,…

Components of healing are spiritual, relational, and intergenerational. This narrative report reaches beyond an intellectual understanding for a "healing spirit" for American Indian women in recovery. Four intersecting circles of spiritual and cultural understanding speak to balance and wellness, the colonization experience and addiction…

Written in Spanish and English, the proceedings include 6 papers and the recommendations presented at the conference on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems among Hispanics attended by approximately 400 participants, representing 29 states, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. "The Challenge of the 1980's: Action Through Unity" discusses the need…

American Indians experience many problems related to alcohol misuse. However, there are prevention approaches that work to reduce risk of alcohol misuse among American Indians. With regard to the way prevention workers carry out their work in American Indian communities, programs must emerge from the community, prevention workers must demonstrate…

The effects of alcohol and other drug abuse are recognized as a serious problem in U.S. communities. Policy efforts and increased law enforcement have only a minimal impact if prevention strategies are not consistent with the community's level of readiness, are not culturally relevant, and are not community-specific. A model has been developed for…

The National Association for Native American Children of Alcoholics (NANACOA) initiated a strategy in 1995 to evaluate their programs and prevention efforts. The design and methodology of the project incorporated a "naturalistic" approach to help preserve cultural integrity and respect multiple perspectives. Data were gathered from…

Those who come from non-American Indian cultures have dominated traditional models for healing and prevention. The assumption that current training strategies, program manuals, and levels of competence with regard to cross-cultural skills and knowledge are sufficient is arguable. If training programs for mental health, physical health, and…

Alcoholism among Chicanos is principally due to structural deficiencies in the surrounding society. The frustrations and limitations brought on by the social structure constitute the principal cause of Chicano alcoholism. These include the major causative factors of poverty, racism and acculturation. In an attempt to address the problem of…

Diversity of geography, climate, and culture dictate the nature of the service delivery systems in Alaska, including the provision of prevention programming in substance abuse, alcoholism, health, and behavioral health. Described here are training programs, conferences and symposia, health fairs, and culturally derived interventions that meet the…

School-based drug abuse prevention programs have been a standard approach in American Indian communities for three decades, but the evidence for their effectiveness is meager. However, it is unreasonable to expect that schools alone could have a major impact on a behavior that has multiple and interactive social causes. It would be folly to…