Partnering with Native Communities to Develop a Culturally Grounded Intervention for Substance Use Disorder

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Substance Use Disorder Research

Background:

• Significant disparities exist in drug and alcohol-related morbidity and mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs).
• Barriers to culturally appropriate, evidence-based treatments exacerbate these health disparities for AI/ANs.
• High rates of abstinence among AI/ANs are contrasted by disproportionate negative health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a culturally grounded intervention for adults with substance use disorder (SUD) on a rural AI reservation.
• To understand social norms and cultural conceptualizations of substance use through community input.
• To inform the development of a sustainable, community-driven intervention promoting health equity.

Main Methods:

• Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) framework.
• Qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 25 key tribal informants knowledgeable about substance use and recovery.
• Exploration of social norms and cultural understandings of substance use within the reservation community.

Main Results:

• Participants emphasized the importance of a holistic recovery approach, integrating spiritual, cultural, and interpersonal harmony.
• A multi-level intervention targeting individuals, families, and the community was identified as essential for success.
• The study strengthened academic-community partnerships and built trust.

Conclusions:

• A community-driven, holistic approach is vital for developing effective substance use disorder interventions for AI/AN adults.
• Future research and treatment efforts must incorporate cultural values and community-level strategies for health equity.
• CBPR strengthens partnerships and builds trust, facilitating culturally relevant health interventions.