Substance use, treatment admissions, and recovery trends in diverse Washington State tribal communities

Qualitative and quantitative data and participatory research approaches might be most valid and effective for assessing substance use/abuse and related trends in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities.

Twenty-nine federally recognized AIAN tribes in Washington (WA) State were invited to participate in Health Directors (HD) interviews and State treatment admissions data analyses. Ten Tribal HD (or designees) from across WA participated in 30-60-minute qualitative interviews. State treatment admissions data from 2002 to 2008 were analyzed for those who identified with one of 11 participating AIAN communities to explore admission rates by primary drug compared to non-AIANs. Those who entered treatment and belonged to one of the 11 participating tribes (n = 4851) represented 16% of admissions for those who reported a tribal affiliation.

Interviewees reported that prescription drugs, alcohol, and marijuana are primary community concerns, each presenting similar and distinct challenges. Additionally, community health is tied to access to resources, services, and culturally appropriate and effective interventions. Treatment data results were consistent with interviewee-reported substance use/abuse trends, with alcohol as the primary drug for 56% of AIAN adults compared to 46% of non-AIAN, and other opiates as second most common for AIAN adults in 2008 with 15% of admissions.

Findings are limited to those tribal communities/community members who agreed to participate.

Analyses suggest that some diverse AIAN communities in WA State share similar substance use/abuse, treatment, and recovery trends and continuing needs.

Appropriate and effective research with AIAN communities requires respectful and flexible approaches.