Substance abuse among American Indians in an urban treatment program

Chart reviews were used to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of 68 urban American Indian people attending an Indian-oriented outpatient substance-abuse treatment program in Denver, Colorado, and to describe program staff's assessment of client's response to treatment. Alcohol and marijuana were the drugs abused most frequently. The program admitted about equal numbers of males and females; age averaged 24 years. Although Colorado has only Ute reservations, 49% of clients were Sioux, while none were Ute. Moreover, 87% of clients were not active in Indian religion and culture. Clients had low educational achievement and very low income. Few were in stable marriages. In comparison to counselors, clients underestimated the severity of their problems. By counselors' assessment, 78% of clients did not finish the program, and only two fully achieved the treatment goals. Areas for further clinical research are suggested.