Unseen Scars: Examining PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder in American Indian and Alaskan Native Communities

A stressful incident or event can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While commonly linked to military personnel who have experienced the trauma of war, alcohol can exacerbate PTSD, further affecting vulnerable populations.

American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) groups disproportionately experience PTSD, facing unique challenges rooted in historical trauma. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) often coexists with PTSD, making recovery even more complex for these communities.

This study examined past-year AUD and lifetime PTSD among AI/ANs and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). The results reveal significant disparities, as AUD disproportionately affects AI/AN populations, leading to higher risks of developing PTSD.

By understanding the intersection of alcohol use and PTSD in AI/AN communities, we can develop targeted interventions. Addressing these dual challenges is crucial to supporting the mental health and well-being of these vulnerable groups.

Alcohol and PTSD: Uncovering the Higher Risks in American Indian and Alaskan Native Communities

The fourth national study on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, the 2012–2013 U.S. Researchers examined the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions III.

Based on race, the researchers calculated the probabilities of AUD in persons with and without PTSD.

Out of the 19,705 participants, 19,194 (10,639 women, 8,555 men) were NHW, and 511 (301 women, 210 men) were AI/AN.

The researchers discovered that AUD and PTSD were more prevalent in AI/ANs than in NHWs. While there was a substantial correlation between PTSD and AUD in both groups, the correlation was noticeably stronger in AI/ANs. Consequently, the rate of PTSD and AUD in AI/ANs among men was over three times higher than that of NHW men (9.5% vs. 3.1%). The authors proposed that the increased risk of AUD in AI/ANs might be lessened by PTSD screening and interventions in tribal government programs and AI/AN health facilities. They also demanded research on the trauma caused by cultural losses and the long-term impacts of such losses, as well as trauma experienced as children and adolescents that is unique to AI/ANs.