Native Americans as a whole have been labeled drunkards since the advent of the white man's "firewater". TS Naimi, MD et al. reports that alcohol is responsible for 11.7% of all American Indian and Alaska Native deaths, compared to 3.3% in the general U.S. population (939). This disturbing discrepancy reinforces the age-old notion of the “drunken Indian.” Generalizations aside, is there any truth to this stereotype? Are Indians more likely to be drunk than other races? Of all races, “Native Americans have the highest prevalence (12.1%) of heavy drinking…A larger percentage of Native Americans (29.6%) are also binge drinkers” (Chartier and Caetano 153). While there has been some research into genetic causes, little is actually known about why American Indians have more difficulty limiting their alcohol consumption. However, the consequences of drinking span almost every aspect of their lives: health, social and legal. Once you have your first drink, alcohol becomes many American Indians' best friend. You need to incorporate a preventative plan to raise awareness among Native American children about the effects of alcohol so they never take their first drink. With a cultural and spiritual approach, inclined towards traditional tribal beliefs, education will enable Native Americans to break the chain of generational consumption patterns. There are many problems caused by alcoholism, but what causes alcoholism? Sandra Alters of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illicit Drugs believes that “The development of alcoholism is the result of a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors” (18). The list of health-related problems is extensive and includes: liver disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney dysfunction...... middle of document ......4 (August 29, 2008): 938-941. Network. October 26, 2011. Rybak, Christopher and Decker-Fitts, Amanda. “Theory and Practice Understanding Native American Reading Practices.” Counseling Psychology Quarterly 22.3 (2009): 333-342. Academic Search Elite. Network. October 24, 2011.SAMHSA—Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. The NSDUH report: Substance use among American Indian or Alaska Native adults. Department of Health and Human Services. June 24, 2010. Web. October 17, 2011. Spillane, Nichea, Ph.D. “Alcohol-Related Problem Risk and American Indians.” The Brown University Digest of Addiction Theory and Application. 28.2 (2009): 8. Elite Academic Research. Web.October 17, 2011.Sutton, Amy L., ed. “Alcohol and minorities”. Handbook on alcoholism. 2nd ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2007. 85-89. Press. Health Reference Series.