Research Assignment 1

Sabrina Caron
ICSD, Georgian College
Introduction to psychology: An indigenous perspective
Tiffany McCue
February 8, 2023
Definition

Alcoholism is defined by alcohol dependence, which is the body’s physical

inability to stop drinking and the presence of alcohol cravings. Individuals with an

addiction may go to extreme measures such as stealing, lying, hiding alcohol,

drinking household cleaners that contain alcohol, and other unhealthy behaviors to

obtain alcohol due to cravings and the fear of withdrawal.

Causes

Alcohol use can stem from many varied factors. Consuming alcohol for a lengthy

period can affect the chemical balance in your brain. This is what makes it hard for

heavy drinkers to quit and causes them to have withdrawals. “Several of the most

common cases of alcoholism are biological factors, environmental factors, social,

and psychological factors.”

Symptoms and health effects

There are many symptoms and health effects when it comes to alcohol abuse.

When alcohol is not consumed people can experience withdrawals which can cause

many health factors such as feeling, increased heart rate, hot flashes, high blood

pressure, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. Withdrawing from alcohol can also be

fatal.
Alcoholism is looked down upon by Western people because it is out of nature for

them, and Indigenous people, we were more prone to it because of vicious cycles

that we inherited due to intergenerational trauma. For the recovery of Western

people, they have rehabs, AA meetings, and other government institutions.

Whereas Indigenous people go to healing lodges, do land-based healing detoxes,

sharing circles, attend ceremonies, and practice teachings to help them find their

spirit again. The Indigenous way of healing focuses on a person's body, mind,

emotions, and spirit. One way of including Indigenous healing practices in

substance use treatments is through the idea of Two-Eyed Seeing. It is a respectful

way to bring in our diverse ways. Two-Eyed Seeing is a way to help Indigenous

peoples and the health care system to come together and grow mutual respect for

both cultural ways. Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall, who established this idea

said, “Two-Eyed Seeing refers to learning to see from one eye with the strengths of

Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the

strengths of Western knowledge and ways of knowing, and to use both of these

eyes together for the benefit of all.” Albert said that Two-Eyed Seeing needs the

groups to work between each respective way of knowing. Western knowledge

might be more applicable than Indigenous in certain situations and vice versa.
 Reference page

https://www.pinelandsrecovery.com/definition-of-alcoholism/