Trauma-informed Approaches to Substance Use Interventions with Indigenous Peoples: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Indigenous Health
• Mental Health & Addiction

Background:

• Indigenous Peoples face higher rates of problematic substance use, linked to historical trauma from colonization and discriminatory practices.
• A trauma-informed approach is essential for effective substance use interventions for Indigenous communities.
• Existing literature primarily focuses on historical and intergenerational trauma in the US and Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current literature on the intersection of trauma and substance use interventions for Indigenous Peoples.
• To identify research gaps and inform the development of culturally safe and trauma-informed interventions.
• To highlight the need for more research on specific populations, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous individuals and veterans.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review of 14 databases was conducted.
• Keywords included Indigenous Peoples, trauma, and substance use.
• 117 sources met inclusion criteria from an initial 1373 identified.

Main Results:

• Literature on trauma and substance use among Indigenous Peoples has grown, particularly between 2017-2021.
• Most studies originate from the United States and Canada, focusing on historical trauma.
• Limited research addresses intersectional identities (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+) and specific populations like veterans.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for more research on trauma-informed substance use interventions tailored for Indigenous Peoples.
• Interventions must be multi-faceted, culturally safe, and address the root causes of trauma.
• Future research should explore diverse Indigenous populations and specific trauma-informed therapeutic approaches.