Risk factors: Addiction & health
Research indicates that the high prevalence of substances and drug abuse among Native Americans is partly due to factors such as:
- Historical trauma.
- Racism.
- Low levels of attained education.
- Poverty.
- High levels of unemployment.
- Discrimination.
- Lack of health insurance.
- Violence (including high domestic violence, gang violence, and sexual assault).
Some people (in the Native American community) may abuse drugs and illicit substances due to factors such as:
- Mental illness and suicide.
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Cancer.
- Stroke.
- Obesity.
- Liver disease.
- Diabetes.
- Unintentional injuries.
- Hepatitis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Teenage pregnancy.
- Heart disease.
Substance abuse among Native Americans
Some studies indicate a high prevalence of drug abuse among Native Americans relative to other groups in the US population. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and specific inhalants are some drugs most individuals abuse.
A 2018 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicates that:
- Substance use disorder affects up to 10% of Native Americans.
- Illicit drug use disorder affects up to 4% of Native Americans.
- Alcohol use disorder occurs in up to 7.1% of Native Americans.
- 25% of the respondents (Native Americans) engaged in binge drinking within the last month of the study.
- 5% of the respondents engaged in drug abuse within the past year.
- Native Americans had the highest rates of methamphetamine abuse in the US.
The study also noted the tendency of teenagers in Native American communities to abuse drugs. The problem of drug abuse extends to prescription medication.
Treatment considerations
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that substance abuse affects up to 13% of Native Americans. Only 3.5% of the individuals seek treatment.
Many Native Americans also have limited access to therapeutic services due to certain factors. Issues such as poverty, lack of insurance, and inadequate treatment facilities in some areas may be attributed to untreated cases.
One can recover from substance and drug abuse after getting the following treatment options:
Detoxification
Medically-assisted detoxification allows one to get safely rid of addictive substances. The technique is used in a safe environment. This is because withdrawal from specific drugs and substances could have unpleasant physical and mental consequences.
Detoxification may be undertaken alongside other methods to change the underlying causes of addiction. It is best to consult a professional to make the process painless and effective. Doctors may introduce different techniques to prevent one from relapsing into drug and substance misuse.
Cognitive behavior therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) allows individuals to identify and change destructive thoughts. Therapists help one to determine how specific ideas lead to behaviors such as drug abuse. CBT may be used for co-occurring issues—such as drug use due to depression.
It manages thought patterns contributing to depression, anxiety, and other cognitive issues. A patient can be treated using CBT when their addiction is due to emotional and mental problems. CBT replaces unwanted thoughts with objective, realistic ones.
CBT alters one’s behavior by changing the underlying thought patterns when used in treating drug and substance abuse. The technique has several subcategories depending on the specific approach used by the therapist.
Rational emotive behavior therapy
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) aims at helping one eliminate behaviors such as drug abuse. It is often used when the addition is connected with mental issues such as grief and loss. It aims to identify and manage negative thought patterns leading specific individuals to substance use.
REBT assumes that our perception of particular circumstances influences drug use. Professionals help the concerned person to identify triggers of a given reaction. Therapists often reframe one’s thought patterns to handle healthily given scenarios.
Contingency management
The treatment of additions to tobacco, narcotics, and alcohol may involve Contingency Management (CM). The intervention uses rewards to reinforce behaviors such as abstinence. One can customize the intervention to make it personal and practical.
The treatment option may be best when one is avoiding relapsing to using certain substances. It applies after successfully undertaking other treatment methods such as cognitive behavior therapy. Some professionals may recommend it as one of the methods to help a patient to maintain sobriety.
Step-by-step facilitation
One can recover from drugs such as alcohol through step-by-step facilitation. Group therapy is convenient for this treatment option. Individuals may be asked to identify drug abuse triggers from their social, emotional, and spiritual lives. Peers help one to remember the negative consequences of using specific drugs.
This intervention is based on recognizing and accepting specific problems as the first step to solving them. Individuals may be required to cultivate desirable behaviors such as discipline by attending group meetings.
Groups play a vital role in recovery. This is because they enable people to develop accountability for their behavior and to track their progress over time. Milestones allow patients to overcome specific challenges and attain a predefined state.
Medications
One may be required to take specific medications when recovering from specific drug and substance abuse based on unique case factors. Doctors can recommend some medicines to treat cravings, decrease addictive behavior, and reduce cravings. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves medications for individuals recovering from opioids, among other substances.
It is best to consult a doctor when you, or a loved one, is struggling with drug and substance abuse. Medications may come with some side effects—seeking professional treatment is necessary.
A final thought
Dealing with drug and substance abuse can be overwhelming. It is best to select the best treatment method to get the best results. Patients should be involved in the treatment plan to empower them as they transition into sobriety.
At Akasha Recovery, we offer holistic treatment based on unique patient factors. Our compassionate and individualized care plan covers elements such as grief and loss that could otherwise hinder your long-term recovery. Contact us today to get the assistance you deserve from our seasoned team.
Are you interested in learning more about holistic treatment methods? Akasha Recovery has resources on Sweat Lodges and Wellbriety: A Cultural Approach to Recovery.
Our San Diego facility is conveniently located a few minutes from the beach. We offer a serene and comfortable environment to get the best results.