The Firewater Myth and Response to Alcohol in Mission Indians

摘要: Objective: This study aimed to assess empirically the intensity of reaction alcohol in a group Native Americans. Method: Forty healthy, nonalcoholic Mission Indian men between ages 18 and 25 years were tested before after ingestion placebo 0.75 ml/kg alcohol. Subjective (self-report feelings) objective (blood pressure, pulse rate, plasma cortisol level) measures intoxication taken at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes ingestion. Overall effects evaluated, responses subjects with less than 50% American heritage (N=19) compared least (N=21). Results: Alcohol did not produce any significant on intoxication; however, reported subjective Subjects intense those heritage, despite equivalent blood concentrations. Conclusions: These results contradict “firewater myth”—the theory that Americans are more sensitive Rather, data indicate generally may be alcohol’s effects, physiological characteristic has been shown associated greater risk for alcoholism Caucasian populations. In addition, individuals percentage smaller heritage. (Am J Psychiatry 1997; 154:983‐988)