In Alamo, New Mexico, twenty-eight-year-old Ambrose Begay tragically passed away from a drug overdose under a tree close to his home on the Alamo Navajo reservation two years ago. He is one of many young Native Americans succumbing to drug overdoses at an escalating rate, despite a decreasing trend nationwide.
Following the loss of his grandson, Ambrose, Manuel Guerro, 77, a respected musician and jeweler, encounters the site daily while shuttling students to school. He chose not to mark the spot with a ribbon to preserve memories of his cherished grandchild, wanting to avoid constant reminders of the devastating drug epidemic affecting their isolated community of 2,000 residents.
Ambrose had shared with his grandfather the sense of loneliness stemming from multiple family losses during the COVID pandemic. Guerro's efforts to prevent his grandson from purchasing drugs led him to confront reservation dealers, some of whom were older and respected individuals. Ambrose warned his grandfather about the potential dangers, illustrating the gravity of the situation.
While national overdose deaths have decreased, the Alamo reservation has seen a staggering 306% rise in overdose deaths to 199 per 100,000 residents in 2024, indicating a critical need for intervention. Efforts to reverse this trend include advocating for law enforcement presence, enhancing detox and rehabilitation services catering to Native Americans, and addressing fundamental community needs such as access to clean water and food security for the impoverished population.
The complex jurisdictional landscape of the Alamo Navajo inhabitants poses challenges in accessing essential support services. A plea for increased resources from the larger Navajo Nation and the state emerges as essential to combat the overwhelming impact of drug addiction within the community.
Individuals like Harold Peralta, a peer support worker, emphasize the urgent need for effective detox and rehabilitation programs tailored to prevent tribal members from succumbing to addiction. Community leaders are striving to implement solutions, including establishing treatment centers and providing financial assistance to families caring for children of relatives battling addiction.
In the midst of these challenges, stories of perseverance emerge, like that of Myreon Apachito, a former addict who sought rehabilitation to break the cycle of addiction within his family. His determination and resilience serve as a beacon of hope amid the pervasive struggles facing the Alamo Navajo reservation.
The text sheds light on the somber reality faced by the Alamo Navajo community, underscoring the pressing need for multifaceted interventions to combat the alarming rise in drug-related tragedies and secure a brighter future for its residents.