erican society or deal with immigration stressors is an indication of why some groups within the same society have more binge drinkers or alcoholics than others (Makimoto, 1998). This acculturation model may account for the fact that there have been higher measured incidences of alcoholism among Irish-Americans than native Irish and Italian-Americans than among native Italians (Barry, 1972). The constantly changing atmosphere of drinking in the United States may have a magnifying effect on the habits of subsections of its citizens (Beauvais, 1998; Makimoto, 1998). For example, the fact that Pacific Islander students born in the United States may drink more than those who immigrated here may only reflect the fact that they are exposed to a part of American culture that values drinking as a social activity.Higher rates of alcoholism in the United States are reported by ethnic minorities, giving good indication that the socio-economic status of individuals is directly related to drinking (Caetano et. al., 1998). The danger of such a statement is that it gives the impression of a homogeneous set of minorities. The truth is that within Asian Americans or Native Americans for example there is great diversity. An important aspect not to be overlooked is the wealth of differences between minorities and within minority groups that will help to determine drinking patterns. Cultural and religious aspects, as well as the history and availability of alcohol all shed light on the variance of alcohol use by different peoples, despite the fact that those people may share a same nationality (Caetano et. al., 1998). One of the groups in the United States and Canada that appears to be most at risk for dangerous behavior related to drinking is Native Americans. Even while taking into account the great variations within the category of Native Americans, problems related to alcoholism within that ethnic group are particularly high. Historical context...
