Summary: Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy For Native Americans

Before the colonists came to settle in America, Native Americans had never witnessed or consumed hard liquor. They only had very weak beer and spirits, but were only used to ceremonial purposes. When the settlers provided the Native Americans with more potent alcohol, they did not know what to do with it. They were not able to form the social norms of drinking in public and with other people in such a short amount of time. Drinking varies greatly from tribe to tribe based on cultural, economic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle differences. (Beauvais, F) Some tribes are tolerant of deviant behavior, while others are not. This also contributes as to why some tribes drink more excessively than others. Over a 8 year period, the Indian Health Service

In 2013, American Indians aging 12 or older had the 2nd highest rate of current illicit drug use in the United States, compared to other groups. In the past, American Indian community leaders have proposed the utilization of indigenous healing methods. Some benefits of DARTNA are that; participating in traditional activities may enhance and renew their sense of personal and cultural identity, studies have shown a renewed pride in cultural heritage and feeling motivated to learn more about their cultural heritage. Some challenges in receiving traditional based treatments are; opportunities to receive traditional-based treatments within the clinical settings are often limited and it is hard to reimburse the clinics for these services. Drumming is widely used in Native American history. It is sacred instrument amount American Indian tribes. The drumbeat symbolizes the heartbeat of indigenous nations and the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The drum is utilized in social dances, preparation for hunting, feasts, and sacred ceremonies. Also, drumming was and still is used t help heal the sick and as a way of carrying songs and prayers. Drumming can have therapeutic effects. Rhythmic auditory stimuli become affecting, leading the person into a desired meditative state. DARTNA had 2 versions, a 6-week version or a 12-week version. In the 3-hour session format, the session consisted of; 60 minutes of education/cultural discussion: drumming, teaching of songs, Medicine Wheel, 12-steps, and White Bison concepts, 90 minutes of: drumming activates corresponding to Medicine Wheel concepts and 30 minutes of talking circle and processing group. The age range was 19-67 years of age, six participants were male and five were female, nine