Recovery from alcoholism has typically involved the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, the values espoused by AA, especially those related to spirituality, can be in conflict with the values of traditional Native Americans. This articlediscusses healingmethods founded in the traditions of Native Americanculture in generaland the Oglala Lakota (also called Oglala Sioux) nation specifically. An understanding of these methods gives non-Native American counselors additional tools for guiding Native American clients to an effective program of recovery.
More than 22 million people suffer from alcoholism in the United States today, and an estimated 88 million people are adversely affected by alcoholism in a family member, friend, or other associate (Yoder, 1990). Alcoholism affects Native Americans as much, if not more, than members of the general population. Fetal alcohol syndrome is 33 times higher in Native Americans than it is in the White population (Chavez, Cordero, & Becerra 1989). Four of the 10 leading causes of death for Native Americans are alcohol related, as are at least 80% of the homicides, suicides, and vehicular accidents (E. M. Smith, 1989). A study conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (as cited in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1991) reported that Native American groups have high mortality rates from causes that are alcohol related, like cirrhosis, homicide, and suicide. This same study found that the death rate for cirrhosis is five times more pervasive in Native Americans than in the general population.
RECOVERY THROUGH ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
For many afflicted with alcoholism, non-Native American and Native American alike, recovery often involves participation in a 12-Step group. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a worldwide, voluntary, nonprofit organization of persons who consider themselves alcoholics, is the first and largest of the 12-Step programs (Berenson, 1987). AA had its 60th anniversary in