Bicultural identity and alcohol abuse among aboriginal Canadians : the protective benefits of aboriginal cultural affiliation

Abstract

Research has revealed that poverty, unemployment, historical oppression and substance abuse have contributed to the third world status of Canadian Aboriginal Reserves. Identification with Aboriginal culture has been shown to buffer stress and prevent substance abuse. Theories of acculturation and bicultural identification indicate that cultural value conflict may prevent Aboriginal Canadians from connecting with their heritage culture. This cultural value conflict may also result in a state of dissonance that the individual will be motivated to escape by consuming alcohol.