Alcoholism Native American Youth - 2979 Words

Alcoholism: Native American Youth Alcoholism is a prevalent social epidemic for Native Americans, especially among youth between the ages of 13 to 18 that reside on the reservations. Alcoholism and chronic substance abuse among Native America youth is increasing at a rapid rate in the past few years. Alcoholism is risk of substance abuse or dependence is consistently elevated in adolescents who had been victims of assault or who had witnessed violence (Kilpatrick, Acierno, Saunders, Resnick, Best, Schnurr, 2000). Inherent risks associated with substance abuse range from minor poor judgement errors to life-threating events, for example dose overdose or acute drug hypersensitivity (Beauvais, 1992). Studies have not yet found a clear biological mechanism that would explain alcoholism and excessive drinking, but a number of them have suggested a possibility of some kind of predisposition to the condition (Clinard Meier, 2015). This paper presents an analysis of family structure, al coholism diagnosis criteria, and psychological effects associated with chronic alcohol abuse among Native American youth. Family Structures Native Americans on the reservations are at socially and economically disadvantage compared to persons who reside in metropolitan cities. Life advancement opportunities and individual accountability for better living standards are almost non-existence in many Native American communities. The environment that is around young adolescents are veryShow MoreRelatedHigh Suicide Rate Among Native American Teenagers Essay690 Words   |  3 PagesIn most American families parents are overjoyed as a result of the happiness and success of their teenage children. Across America teenager are enjoying their â€Å"rite of passage†, such as friends, after school activities, sports, vacations with their families and their first car. 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