‘It takes a lot of work’: Deb Haaland puts addiction struggles at center of New Mexico governor bid

First Native American woman to serve as US cabinet secretary candid about history with alcohol as she seeks to tackle billowing public health crisis

“It clouds your mind,” recalls Deb Haaland, the trailblazing US cabinet secretary now running to be New Mexico’s next governor. “They say that, after the first drink, you lose your judgment.”

Haaland developed a drinking problem after leaving high school and was twice arrested for driving under the influence. But in her 20s she decided to get sober, a battle that required personal commitment and critical external support. She went on to become a member of Congress, one of the first two Native American women ever elected to the House, and then to become the first Native American to serve as a US cabinet secretary.