Attitudes toward alcohol abuse are changing in Indian country. A number of separate but complementary attitudes are creating a circle of support in the fight against alcohol abuse. These new attitudes hold that: (1) Native Americans are not condemned by their race to a destiny of alcohol-related problems, but, rather, have a choice; (2) abstinence is an acceptable option; (3) the non-drinker need not be isolated and lonely; (4) the community is responsible for addressing alcoholism and drug abuse and must act to offer alternative activities; and (5) success is possible. Among the new concepts about alcoholism that have emerged in the past decade are the ideas that alcoholism: (1) is a family and community disease; (2) affects multiple generations; (3) is the tip of an iceberg, riding atop a mass of other problems; and (4) often coexists with other specific problems such as depression and cultural shame. In the fight against alcohol abuse, American Indians have some special cultural attributes that can help them, including extended family networks, close-knit communities with strong identities, and holistic world views. Native Americans are headed in the right direction and must use their resources to maintain the movement against alcohol and drug abuse. (SV)