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Alcohol and Alcoholism Vol. 37, No. 6, pp. 603-608, 2002
© 2002 Medical Council on Alcohol

ALCOHOL USE AND CULTURAL CHANGE IN AN INDIGENOUS POPULATION: A CASE STUDY FROM VENEZUELA

J. Paul Seale*, Sylvia Shellenberger, Carlos Rodriguez, Josiah D. Seale and Manuel Alvarado

Department of Family Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine and Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon, Georgia, USA

Received 13 February 2002; first review notified 20 May 2002; accepted 7 June 2002

— Aims: To explore the historical and cultural context of problem drinking in a Latin American indigenous population and identify possible areas for intervention. Methods: Focus group discussions. Results: Participants reported that prior to 1945, binge drinking and fighting were part of cultural festivals held several times each year. Alcohol was brewed in limited quantities by specially qualified individuals. Limited family violence and injuries resulted. Increasing contact with Western civilization resulted in year-round access to large supplies of commercial alcohol and exposure to alcohol-misusing role models. Increased heavy drinking and decreases in subsistence farming resulted in escalation of problems, including hunger, serious injury, family violence, divorce and legal problems. Communities are beginning to regain control by prohibiting sale of alcohol in villages, sponsoring alcohol-free celebrations, and increasing involvement in religious activities. Conclusions: Though alcohol may cause devastating consequences in cultures in transition, studies of community responses may identify useful strategies for reducing alcohol-related harm.


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