The Historical Trauma Response Among Natives and Its Relationship with Substance Abuse: A Lakota Illustration

Abstract

Historical trauma (HT) is cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over the lifespan and across generations, emanating from massive group trauma experiences; the historical trauma response (HTR) is the constellation of features in reaction to this trauma. The HTR often includes depression, self-destructive behavior, suicidal thoughts and gestures, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, and difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions. It may include substance abuse, often an attempt to avoid painful feelings through self-medication. Historical unresolved grief is the associated affect that accompanies HTR; this grief may be considered fixated, impaired, delayed, and/or disenfranchised. This article will explain HT theory and the HTR, delineate the features of the HTR and its grounding in the literature, offer specific Native examples of HT and HTR, and will suggest ways to incorporate HT theory in treatment, research and evaluation. The article will conclude with implications for all massively traumatized populations.

Indigenous Healing and Seeking Safety: A Blended Implementation Project for Intergenerational Trauma and Substance Use Disorders

“…They agree with other scholars that trauma destroys a person's faith, decency, courage, and connection. The power of group sharing or sharing circles resulted in a reawakening of the feeling of connection with others through relationships that were the result of altruism by others in the group (Brave Heart, 2003;Drake, 2003;Duran, 2006;Herman, 2006;Marsh, 2010;Yalom & Leszez, 2005). Yalom and Leszez (2005) also stated that individuals in groups mirror the actions of others and, in so doing, the survivor recognizes and claims a lost part of himself or herself.…”

Social Inequality and Racial Discrimination: Risk Factors for Health Disparities in Children of Color

“…129 Human studies have shown significant relationships between drug use and secondary social status, particularly exposure to current and historical racial discrimination. 130 Difficulty in successfully regulating emotional responses to social stressors, such as racial discrimination, is also associated with higher levels of drug use in humans. 131 Chronic stressors such as racial discrimination may also increase susceptibility to viral infections (such as HIV infection).…”

Intergenerational Patterns of Substance Abuse Among Urban American Indian Families

“…As a result of colonialism, cultural loss, historical trauma, and ongoing exposure to traumatic experiences, AIs contend with substance abuse issues at higher rates than members of other racial and ethnic groups (Brave Heart, 2003;Morgan & Freeman, 2009;Walter et al, 2002). The mounting impact of intergenerational stress and trauma, such as the forced removal of AI children and current-day fear of the child welfare system (Myhra & Wieling, in press), stunts the progress of cultural and emotional growth and ultimately creates vulnerabilities to substance abuse and related maladaptive coping behaviors (Brave Heart, 1999;Duran & Duran, 1995;Gray, 1998).…”

“…The mounting impact of intergenerational stress and trauma, such as the forced removal of AI children and current-day fear of the child welfare system (Myhra & Wieling, in press), stunts the progress of cultural and emotional growth and ultimately creates vulnerabilities to substance abuse and related maladaptive coping behaviors (Brave Heart, 1999;Duran & Duran, 1995;Gray, 1998). Spirituality, religion, and practicing cultural traditions, along with connection to family and tribal communities, have been identified as key factors associated with healing from cultural trauma for many AI families and communities (Brave Heart, 2003;Jervis & AI-SUPERPFP team, 2009;Walters, 1999).…”

“…Changing the dialogue from pathology to strength is a challenge for researchers and clinicians alike. Most salient to this study, clinicians and researchers have recommended the assessment of intergenerational transmission of maladaptive patterns and resiliency within AI families (Brave Heart, 2003;Morgan & Freeman, 2009). Research investigating substance use patterns across multiple generations of AI families is important to understand and appreciate the nuances of generational experiences and transmission patterns (Myhra, 2011).…”