Empowering American Indian and Alaska Native Communities during Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about alcohol use, misuse, and its impact, particularly in Indian Country. This observance promotes education, healthier lifestyles, and reducing the stigma around alcohol use disorder. American Indian and Alaska Native communities face unique challenges when it comes to alcohol use, including social and economic factors and limited access to culturally appropriate health care services. Below are some ways to get involved that acknowledge these challenges and provide ways to engage, educate, and support Native youth, families, and communities.

Alcohol Awareness Month is a time for everyone to take part in the conversation and the efforts to reduce alcohol misuse.

• Educational materials distribution: Share culturally appropriate resources such as brochures, videos, and fact sheets about alcohol use and recovery in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
• Family-centered activities: Plan family-friendly events that highlight positive alternatives to alcohol use, such as storytelling, arts and crafts, or cooking traditional foods.
• Alcohol-free social gatherings: Host alcohol-free events that offer a fun and safe space for community members to gather and enjoy one another's company without the influence of alcohol.
• Peer-led recovery groups: Facilitate peer-led support groups or healing circles where individuals affected by alcohol use disorder can share their experiences, discuss recovery strategies, and offer mutual support.
• Support those in need: If you know someone struggling with alcohol misuse, encourage them to seek help and provide them with resources. Recovery is possible, and culturally relevant support is available.

Understanding Alcohol Use in Indian Country

According to recent studies, alcohol-related issues, such as binge drinking and alcohol use, are more prevalent among American Indian and Alaska Native youth and adults than the general population. However, it is important to note that many communities are actively working toward healing and reducing these statistics through cultural revitalization, prevention efforts, and access to treatment and recovery support services.

Key Statistics:

• According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 9,000 American Indian and Alaska Native youth aged 12 to 17 (4.0% of this age group) reported drinking alcohol in the past month, and 6,000 or 2.6% reported binge drinking in the past month.
• The 2023 NSDUH also found that 22.6% of American Indian and Alaska Native adults aged 18 and older reported binge drinking in the past month.
• Alcohol use disorder affected an estimated 5,000 Native youth aged 12 to 17 (2.3% of this age group).
• Approximately 150,000 Native adults aged 18 and older (13.6% of this age group) experienced alcohol use disorder.

These statistics underscore the importance of Alcohol Awareness Month in reducing alcohol misuse and promoting healthier lifestyles for Native communities.

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

The IHS encourages communities to come together to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support one another in reducing alcohol misuse. By strengthening cultural connections, educating youth, and promoting healthier lifestyles, we can continue to break the cycle of alcohol misuse and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Resources:

IHS Alcohol and Substance Abuse Branch
Addressing Excessive Alcohol Use: State Fact Sheets
Alcohol Use | Alcohol Use | CDC
Alcohol Awareness Month | SAMHSA
National Helpline (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Alleyne Toya, an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo, is a public health advisor at Indian Health Service Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. She is responsible for providing programmatic and technical assistance in the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Branch within the Division of Behavioral Health, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services.