Early Intervention Can Help Tackle Underage Drinking in Minority Communities

Underage drinking is one of the most important public health issues afflicting the United
States. Alcohol is not only the most commonly and readily available substance of abuse
amongst the American youth, but is also the most popular substance used for recreational
and self-medication purposes. Though drinking can harm anybody regardless of his or her
gender, age, ethnicity, social status or drinking pattern, there are significant alcohol-related
health disparities among the youngsters, with those from the rural areas and
underrepresented communities being affected the most.
Considering the
growing menace of
underage drinking, it is
crucial to ensure early
prevention as it is a risk
factor for developing
problematic alcohol
consumption patterns
that can persist in
adulthood. However,
due to the ineffective
prevention strategies
that fail to trickle down
to the rural
communities, ethnic
groups and youths,
such as Native Americans, the instances of alcohol drinking are the highest in these
communities compared to other groups.
Even in the field of clinical research, rural communities and other minority populations are by
and large underrepresented in community-based research. However, there is substantial
evidence that these communities are considered vulnerable to the risks of alcohol abuse.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure effective and early interventions.
Community and school-based interventions
A new study, conducted by a team of researchers led by Kelli A. Komro, Ph.D. (Emory
University in Atlanta), and published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH),
attempted to address the above-mentioned disparities. As part of the study, a multilevel
intervention measure was designed to specifically address the problem of underage drinking
among the youngsters of Cherokee Nation a rural and racially diverse community from the
northeastern region of Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation is the second largest American Indian
tribe in the U.S. after the Navajo Nation.

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The trial was conducted together by the university-based prevention scientists and Cherokee
Nations behavioral health psychologists who enforced two different strategies to tackle the
problem of underage drinking, which specifically affects the youngsters in both rural and
racially diverse communities. In addition, the nature of these strategies is such that they are
compatible and adaptable to the unique local culture. Some of these strategies were as
mentioned below:

Communities mobilizing for change on alcohol (CMCA): It is a community-based

intervention strategy aimed at reducing access to alcohol and reducing the risks
related to underage drinking. Compared to other strategies, CMCA has garnered much
success in various health intervention trials. It is believed to be the most beneficial
method that has been successful in engaging and targeting people with the problem
of underage drinking in multicultural communities.
CONNECT: It is a school-based screening and brief intervention measure. The
researchers applied this intervention for all students in conjunction with motivational
interviews that are known to be sensitive and responsive to a students readiness and
willingness to change.
A total of 1,623 students from six communities, with almost 50 percent being American
Indians in the 9th or 10th grade was examined over a period of three years through 11th and
12th grade. The communities were divided in the following manner:

Students from two different communities received both interventions.

Students from two different communities served as controls and did not receive any
intervention.
Students from one group used only CMCA.
Students from one group used only CONNECT.
The researchers concluded that the self-reports of alcohol use, inclusive of any abuse and
heavy episodic drinking in the past month, had significantly reduced among students who
received either or both interventions compared to the control groups. Community
organizing has been used effectively in multiple other health intervention trials and appeared
to be an optimal strategy to engage diverse citizens in these multicultural communities, said
Dr. Komro.
Live and let live
American Indians, Hispanics and Alaska Natives have some of the highest rates of alcohol
abuse, yet there is little research to address this public health problem. Therefore, it is
essential to spread awareness and ensure treatment to overcome the challenges of alcohol
abuse.
If you or your loved one is battling alcohol abuse, contact the Alcohol Addiction Get Help to
connect to one of the best alcohol addiction treatment centers in Texas. Call us at our 24/7
Texas alcohol addiction helpline number 866-281-3014 to know more about the alcohol
addiction treatment centers in Texas.

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