Alcohol and Cannabis Use, Social Networks, and Nonreservation American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults: A...

This study investigated associations between social network characteristics and alcohol and cannabis use among non-reservation-living American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) emerging adults (18-25 years old), with a focus on the potential protective influence of AI/AN traditional practices (e.g., dancing, storytelling, beading).

The study used a multilevel, multivariable dyadic approach to analyze personal network composition and network connectivity (centrality and density) from 470 AI/AN emerging adults living in nonreservation areas across the United States. Eligible participants completed an online survey, which included questions about social networks and alcohol and cannabis use.

Findings indicated that network members who were similar in age, perceived to be friends, and lived nearby were more likely to be alcohol and cannabis use partners. Network members who shared AI/AN identity but did not engage in traditional practices were more likely to be alcohol and cannabis use partners than non-AI/AN network members. Analysis of network density demonstrated that having highly connected networks was associated with lower odds of respondents engaging in alcohol and cannabis use with members of their networks. However, highly central network members had higher odds of alcohol and cannabis use with respondents than those who were less central. Findings were robust when controlling for respondent and network alcohol and cannabis use.

The study underscores the significance of the network context of alcohol and cannabis use for nonreservation AI/AN emerging adults. The protective role of traditional AI/AN practices highlights the importance of strength-based intervention approaches that promote healthy social connections and traditional practices. Future research should test hypotheses longitudinally to inform more effective prevention strategies.