Improving Substance Abuse Treatment for American Indians and Alaska Natives
Author Information
Author(s): Douglas K Novins, Gregory A Aarons, Sarah G Conti, Dennis Dahlke, Raymond Daw, Alexandra Fickenscher, Candace Fleming, Craig Love, Kathleen Masis, Paul Spicer
Primary Institution: Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health
Hypothesis
How are evidence-based treatments perceived and used by substance abuse programs serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities?
Conclusion
The study highlights the complexities and cultural tensions surrounding the implementation of evidence-based treatments in substance abuse services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Supporting Evidence
- Many American Indian and Alaska Native communities are uncomfortable with Euro-American treatment approaches.
- Evidence-based treatments may conflict with traditional healing practices.
- Federal and state policies promoting evidence-based treatments complicate the debate on effective substance abuse services.
Takeaway
This study talks about how some American Indian and Alaska Native communities feel uncomfortable with certain treatment methods for substance abuse, and it suggests that using their own cultural practices might be better.
Methodology
The study involved convening a panel of experts from American Indian and Alaska Native communities and substance abuse treatment programs to discuss the use of evidence-based treatments.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the historical context of research in these communities and the reluctance to adopt external treatment models.
Limitations
The study does not provide specific data on the prevalence of evidence-based treatment use or its effectiveness in these communities.
Participant Demographics
The study discusses a diverse population of over 560 federally recognized tribes, with a focus on younger, less educated, and poorer demographics compared to the general U.S. population.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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