Stereotypes about Native Americans and alcohol debunked by UA study

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/uoah-usd020516.php

Public Release: 8-Feb-2016
Stereotypes about Native Americans and alcohol debunked by UA study
Native Americans are more likely to abstain from alcohol than whites, and heavy drinking and binge drinking rates are about the same for both groups
University of Arizona Health Sciences

In contrast to enduring stories about extraordinarily high rates of alcohol misuse among Native Americans, University of Arizona researchers have found that Native Americans' binge and heavy drinking rates actually match those of whites. The groups differed regarding abstinence: Native Americans were more likely to abstain from alcohol use.

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About 17 percent of both Native Americans and whites were found to be binge drinkers, and about 8 percent of both groups were heavy drinkers. Binge drinking was defined as five or more drinks on one to four days in the past month. Heavy drinking was five or more drinks on five or more days in the past month. Sixty percent of Native Americans reported no alcohol use in the past month, compared to 43 percent of whites.

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Dr. Solomon noted that comparable rates of alcohol use do not necessarily result in comparable rates of alcohol-related health problems. "Native Americans as a group have less access to medical care, safe housing and quality food, which can amplify health problems connected to alcohol," she said.

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