Addictions and Native Americans

by Laurence Armand French Ph.D.

Overview

Substance abuse is a major health and social problem plaguing Native Americans both historically and today. After presenting the social and psychological factors that have contributed to Native American addictions and the patterns of behavior and circumstances associated with this complex and widespread problem, French discusses the treatment, intervention, and prevention issues facing therapists. He also explores the development and consequences of a new form of addiction, compulsive gambling, focusing on its relationship to substance abuse. A major contribution of this volume is its review and critique of regulatory acts documenting federal policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275963491
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/30/2000
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	1,494,598
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

LAURENCE ARMAND FRENCH is Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Western New Mexico University. He is also a licensed clinical psychologist. His publications include Psychocultural Change and the American Indian (1987) and The Winds of Injustice (1994).

Table of Contents

Introduction
Historical Perspectives on Native American Addictions
The Aboriginal Worldview and Lifestyle
Aboriginal Uses of Psychoactive Agents
Federal Policies and Marginality
The Nature of Substance Abuse Among Native Americans
Psychocultural Factors
Studies on Substance Abuse in Indian Country
Prevention, Intervention, and Cultural Treatment
Understanding Culture-Specific Primary and Secondary Clinical Diagnoses
Cultural Treatment Considerations
The Federal Response: Standards and Practice Guidelines
Indian Gaming-The New Addiction
Indian Gaming and U.S./Indian Policy
Indian Gaming, Social, Political, and Clinical Issues
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Two underlying factors, says French (psychology and social sciences, Western New Mexico U.) contribute significantly to substance abuse being the major health problem plaguing American Indians today. The first was the introduction of fortified and distilled spirits and concentrated drugs, with which their metabolism and neural compensation were not prepared. The other was the separation of drugs from the ceremonies in which they were traditionally used. Most at risk, he adds, are marginalized Indians, those who are not socialized into either European or traditional society. He looks at the history and nature of the problem; prevention, intervention, and cultural treatment; and Indian gaming as a new addiction. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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