Resources in this section provide information on how to support American Indian and Alaska Native children and families affected by substance use disorders and examples of effective treatment interventions.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Native Americans
Kaliszewski (2021)
American Addiction Centers
Discusses the prevalence of substance-specific use disorders among American Indian and Alaska Native communities as well as the historical context affecting this prevalence rate.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Division: Circle of Healing
Ysleta de Sur Pueblo
Describes culturally responsive, trauma-informed prevention and intervention services for substance use disorders among members of the Ysleta de Sur Pueblo Tribe.
Culturally-Informed Programs to Reduce Substance Misuse and Promote Mental Health in American Indian and Alaska Native Populations (PDF - 2,294 KB)
Education Development Center, Prevention Solutions (2018)
Presents culturally informed programs for use with American Indian and Alaska Native communities that have been evaluated and focus on reducing substance misuse, improving mental and physical health, and increasing resilience.
Friendship House
Provides treatment for substance use disorders through traditional American Indian values and ethics. The program uses ceremonial events to strengthen and restore cultural identity and a sense of belonging and purpose for American Indians.
Programs for Native Youth
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Offers information about organizations and programs that address substance use disorders among American Indian and Alaska Native youth and lists Federal and non-Federal resources.
Substance Abuse Services
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
Offers a behavioral health program to improve the health and quality of life for Tribal members who are dealing with substance use.
Substance Use Disorder Resources
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center
Presents a series of resources and Native-specific organizations working to mitigate substance use disorders within American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Supporting the Development of Young Children in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Who Are Affected by Alcohol and Substance Exposure
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Early Childhood Development Office (2020)
Provides guidance to child welfare workers and related professionals working to address the effects of parental substance use in American Indian and Alaska Native communities by increasing caregiver responsiveness, nurturing relationships, and supporting early learning environments.
Treatment and Recovery Best Practices
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service
Provides a list of evidence-based therapies designed to address substance use disorders in a culturally responsive way among American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Tribal Child Welfare Systems’ Experiences With Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Other Drugs (PDF - 2,120 KB)
Day, Geary, Ingoldsby, & Ahonen (2021)
Presents the results of a federally funded study that examined Federal and State policies guiding child welfare prenatal substance exposure identification and care, child welfare staff awareness and knowledge of and practices to identify affected children and families, how information is shared and documented, and how child welfare agencies interact with caregivers and allied service providers in supporting children and families.