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Denial of Hurricane Risks: Reflections of an Addictions Researcher

School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, ager{at}tulane.edu

In this article, the author describes denial associated with living in a city threatened by hurricanes and with the events leading up to and following Hurricane Katrina. The article draws from the disaster and addictions literature to reflect on the purposes and consequences of denial. For example, denying the true danger associated with the approaching Hurricane Katrina may have been motivated by a need to view one's home as safe or a cultural belief held by a group with deep roots in New Orleans. An unfortunate consequence of extreme denial is putting oneself and one's family in harm's way. Suggested solutions focus on informing government and news agencies that make public service announcements that this resistant population exists. The author also suggests strategies that these agencies should avoid and some that may work.

Key Words: natural disasters • denial • addictions

Traumatology, Vol. 14, No. 4, 48-54 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1534765608326758


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