Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Erica Prussing, “White Man’s Water: The Politics of Sobriety in a Native American Community” (University of Arizona Press, 2011)
Erica Prussing, “White Man’s Water: The Politics of Sobriety in a Native American Community” (University of Arizona Press, 2011)
Erica Prussing, “White Man’s Water: The Politics of Sobriety in a Native American Community” (University of Arizona Press, 2011)
Tuesday 15th November 2011
Erica Prussing discusses the clash between AA's methods and traditional healing in Native American communities in 'White Man's Water'.
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Marshall Poe
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Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Relationships & Community
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Get the buttons here!Beyond AA: The Politics of Sobriety in Native American Communities
An assistant professor of anthropology and community and behavior health at the University of Iowa, Prussing lived for three years on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana, working with community organizations, building
Imagine living in a community where traditional healing practices clash with mainstream recovery methods. That's the reality for many on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana, as explored by Erica Prussing in her book 'White Man's Water: The Politics of Sobriety in a Native American Community'.
Prussing, an assistant professor of anthropology and community and behavior health at the University of Iowa, spent three years immersed in the lives of the Northern Cheyenne people, gathering stories and experiences that reveal the complex relationship between alcohol abuse treatment and cultural identity. While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and its 12-step program have been the go-to method for treating alcohol abuse across the United States, Prussing found that this one-size-fits-all approach doesn't always work for Native American communities.
Younger women on the reservation might find solace in AA's methods, but older generations often struggle with its moral assumptions, which can feel alien and unhelpful. This episode dives into these nuances, highlighting the need for more culturally sensitive treatment options. Prussing's research doesn't just stop at the effectiveness of AA. She delves into how colonialism and racial stereotypes have shaped the current state of substance abuse and recovery in Native American communities.
By advocating for indigenous self-determination in healthcare, Prussing calls for a shift towards incorporating local culture and traditional healing practices into recovery programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of addiction treatment beyond mainstream methods. Whether you're a scholar, a policymaker, or someone personally affected by these issues, you'll find valuable insights into how cultural context can influence recovery.
Tune in to hear how Prussing's work challenges conventional approaches and offers a fresh perspective on treating alcohol abuse in Native American communities.