Reviews the literature on the treatment of Native Americans who abuse alcohol or have dependence disorders and provides an interpretation of the research on this topic. The most common treatment modalities are described and critiqued. Recommendations are made regarding revising standard treatments to make them more culturally appropriate for this…

Notes that, although Native Americans show high rates of alcoholism, violence, suicide, and early death, these problems are seldom covered well in textbooks. Conducted content analysis of 26 textbooks on alcoholism and substance misuse. Found that only four provided detailed discussion of Native American drinking. Suggests need for greater…

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,…

Reviews the sparse literature concerning the mental health of American Indian and Alaska Native women. Suggests research into various sources of stress experienced by Native women and related to drug and alcohol abuse. Discusses coping mechanisms and the particular stress factors affecting professional Native women. (SV)

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…

This state-by-state directory lists over 500 alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention services that target American Indians and Alaska Natives. The directory was compiled from the website of the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI). Their home page on the Internet is located at http://www.health.org/index.htm. The…

Survey of 124 vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors in 14 states examined characteristics of American Indian and Alaska Native VR clients with alcoholism or drug abuse problems, aspects of the counselor-client relationship, VR services provided, minimum period of sobriety required, counselor training and training needs, and ratings of…

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors in states where American Indians reside in large numbers were surveyed to determine the proportion of American Indian clients with alcohol or substance abuse problems in the counselors' caseloads and the kinds of specializes services provided to the clients A total of 124 VR counselors from 14 states…

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…

This guide introduces concerns and problems resulting from the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs among American Indian youth and addresses intergenerational substance abuse effects. Alcohol abuse among American Indians and Alaska Natives is the most visible effect of their cultural disruption and disorganization. Alcoholism among Native Americans…

The magnitude of the present-day problem of alcohol and substance misuse by American Indians is described in mortality rates and proportionate use reports. Use of inhalants, amphetamines, sedatives, and hallucinogens is examined. The historical and complex relationships between American Indians and alcohol are sketched, and prevention approaches…

Begun in 1993, a 5-year project examined treatment modalities and outcomes and counselor and client attitudes related to American Indian or Alaska Native vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients with alcoholism or substance abuse problems. Specifically, surveys and focus groups examined elements of successful substance abuse treatment and VR…

Although much of traditional psychology assumes that a spiritual orientation is largely a matter of choice, it is contended here that such choices are embedded in the rich fabric of the cultural framework. This study explores a quantitative and qualitative contrast between Caucasian and Native American alcoholics on dimensions of spiritual…

Over 300 articles concerning rural health as it pertains to American Indians and Alaska Natives are cited in this bibliography. Most of the articles were published between 1980 and 1988. Abstracts are reprinted verbatim and the bibliography is organized into sections by subject matter. Within each section, annotated citations are listed…

This paper discusses the complex issues faced by clinicians providing counseling to chemically dependent individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are from ethnic, racial, or cultural minority groups. It shares specific examples from the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals, as well as…