Research Article

Indigenous Frameworks for Practitioners Working with American Indian/ Alaska Native Clients Dealing with Substance Use Disorders

Authors: Mark Standing Eagle Baez, C. Allison Baez.

DOI: 10.33425/2639-8451.1055

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Abstract

Substance use and suicide have affected many American Indian and Alaska Native communities for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ ANs) ages 18 to 24 is nearly double the national rate [1]. Furthermore, significantly more American Indians and Alaska Natives needed treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use in the previous year than individuals from other ethnic groups, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Indigenous communities are deeply concerned about the severity of substance abuse and mental health issues among their people and are eager to develop practical solutions for their health and welfare. However, these communities are also worried about the continuation of colonizing and stigmatizing approaches to mental health, as well as social narratives surrounding mental health opportunities. In the past, many psychologists tried to address these problems by introducing Western evidence-based strategies that often failed to consider Indigenous values such as spirituality, the wisdom of elders, and family relationships. Moreover, Indigenous people were rarely invited to participate in designing solutions. Applying culturally based methods for substance misuse and abuse services for AI/AN clients has shown great promise [2]. However, clinicians see better outcomes by integrating the best Western evidence-based practices with the best Indigenous practice-based evidence tailored for the clients served. When it comes to mental health, one size does not fit all. Indigenous adaptations are essential in clinical practice, requiring an understanding that Indigenous people come from different backgrounds, which leads to varying interpretations of the client's experiences [2].

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