Why are so many native americans alcoholics?

Question

Is it genetic, social, or some other problem?

Answer 1

alcoholism is high among natives. there is genetic proof of our intolorance to alcohol. "fire water" was not really pure alcohol...it was alcohol distilled with scrap iron, kerosene, gun powder, etc. some of my native ppl got so addicted to it, the women would sell themselves to the white traders just to get it...another method of genocide that didn't work. it did change the dna and brain chemistry of those who became addicted though.

most native ppl live in extreme poverty. the schools, clinics, and housing are still greatly substandard on many reservations.

there are many, highly intelligent, educated, and artistic natives who never get recognition. we don't seek it like other ethinic groups do.

reservations near cities are highly visible, so of course a lot of negative things are going to be seen and made public. this causes a lot of increased racism and stereotyping of all native ppl.

as for skibs' nasty comment, i highly doubt you're a very successful human being. funny, on the rez i come from, the word "skibs" is used to describe a person with bad hygiene. oh the irony tickles me.

Answer 2

Alcoholism is genetic, which is why it runs in families. Native Americans did not have the exposure to alcohol before the whites introduced it to them. That means they did not have generation after generation to build up a tolerance for it. Combine this with the fact that many natives were displaced and put onto reservations and are subject to poverty and there you have it.

Answer 3

New studies suggest that there's a genetic component which makes certain ethnic groups particularly susceptible to alcoholism. Native Americans are one of these groups. Of course, there's a cultural component as well (eg certain groups have more tolerance towards excessive drinking than others).

I'm not sure that there's any correlation between poverty and alcoholism, but I could be wrong.

Answer 4

It's partially genetic. Their bodies don't metabolize alcohol the same as other ethnicity's. That is also why there are many over weight Natives because their bodies don't metabolize sugar the same either.
It is of course also a social issue. Natives have the highest drop out rate, and lowest income of any ethnicity.

Answer 5

Take a look at history and how European powers conquered the natives or forced countries to trade with them in the past centuries. The British for instance brought opium for their colony in India and brought it to trade with the Chinese (to force trade). Guess what? Many Chinese promptly became addicted to opium! This was in sharp contrast to the Indians who had been using opium for ceremonial use for years without any ill effect. In regards to the Native Americans, most tribes had little experience with alcohol before the Europeans came. The Europeans tended to trade strong alcohol for pelts and other trade goods. Basically you have a group of people (Europeans) who have grown up drinking alcohol on a daily basis (during colonial times alcohol was often safer to drink than water) and who have had thousands of years of biological adjustments to alcohol. Blame colonialism and greed.

Answer 6

Yes, they have about the highest rate of alcoholism in the US. Much of it is genetic and much is socio-economic.

Answer 7

Abject Poverty often leads to Alcoholism

Answer 8

Of course its social, before the white man invaded did you see them with the problems they have today? they are proud people pushed to the side with very little prospects and turn to the only thing they know

Answer 9

Social. They are in economic poverty and poverty usually drives addictions and illicit behaviour.

Answer 10

I think they just happen to be the only people who are open about their alcoholism. Inside every person in an alcoholic dying to get out.