Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention as Standard Practice: Working with the American Indian/Native Alaskan Populations

Abstract

Alcohol use and the resulting problems associated with high-risk drinking in the American Indian/Native Alaskan (AI/NA) population are well-documented, as alcohol misuse has taken an incredible toll on many AI/NA communities. Presently, both overall health issues and alcohol use occur disproportionately within this population. This article provides an updated overview of the impact of alcohol use in the United States and within AI/NA communities specifically. It also provides recommendations for an alcohol-related screening and brief intervention instrument that social workers can begin using in their practice and can be utilized within the AI/NA community.

Keywords::

• American Indians/Native Alaskans
• evidence-based practice
• alcohol
• screening and brief intervention