During Alcohol Awareness Month, we reflect on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and how alcohol-related problems continue to take a heavy toll on individuals, families, and communities. Researchers estimate that each year, there are more than 178,000 alcohol-related deaths, making alcohol a leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
AUD is a common chronic disease affecting millions across the nation. The rate of alcohol use among Native Americans is generally much higher than those of the general U.S. population. Data from the American Addictions Centers indicate Native Americans have one of the highest rates of alcohol misuse compared to other ethnic groups. Findings from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that 7.1% of Native Americans have an alcohol use disorder.
But help is available! SDUIH’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program is an affordable resource that can help prevent relapses and reduce alcohol cravings.
Call one of our clinics to learn more!
Pierre: 605-224-8841
Sioux Falls: 605-339-0420
Data source: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics/native-americans
