Alcohol abuse: a serious problem
By Jami Custer
Staff Writer
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Alcohol abuse is prevalent among many age groups in the U.S. People who abuse alcohol include college students, pregnant women, professionals and senior citizens.
The misuse of alcohol contributes to many safety and health issues, such as conflicts between family members, domestic violence and child abuse. The numerous health problems caused by the overuse of alcohol can include liver, stomach and brain damage, among others. Effects may not be seen until later in life. Alcohol can also be blamed for accidental injury or death. Children can also be injured by alcohol excess. They can be born with birth defects, brain damage and mental retardation when the mother uses alcohol during pregnancy.
Dr. B.J. Boyd of the Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health said research indicates that the rate of alcohol use disorders among American Indians nationwide is around 10 percent to 11 percent. Rates in northeastern Oklahoma are comparable to that figure, he said.
The awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse can help discourage its use, he said, and CN is encouraging Cherokees to get involved with local anti-drug coalitions to help.
“We have found the best way to address alcohol awareness is to work through our community coalitions,” Boyd said. “The best way to get involved is to become an active participant in your local coalition.”
He said reducing alcohol abuse and underage drinking are major areas of concern for the coalitions.
“Each coalition conducts local activities that are specific for their community,” he said.
The active coalitions are in Tahlequah, Pryor, Claremore, Sallisaw, Stillwell, Jay, Nowata, Muskogee, Bartlesville, Vinita and Marble City.
Aside from the coalitions, CN has a program called “Access to Recovery.” Any person with a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood card who lives in the boundaries of the Cherokee, Muskogee (Creek) or Osage nations are eligible for the program.
“It provides expanded access to substance abuse services in the area so that we have a larger network of providers in addition to the ones in our own health clinics,” Boyd said.
Boyd also said those who may be suffering from alcohol abuse need treatment.
“I would recommend utilizing both professional help from a licensed mental health or substance abuse professional and utilizing community-based support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous,” he said.
Substance abuse counseling is available at each CN health facility, and there are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in most communities.