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. 2021 Jul;57(5):937-947.
doi: 10.1007/s10597-020-00688-3. Epub 2020 Jul 27.

Mental Health, Physical Health, and Cultural Characteristics Among American Indians/Alaska Natives Seeking Substance Use Treatment in an Urban Setting: A Descriptive Study

Daniel L Dickerson  1 , Elizabeth J D'Amico  2 , David J Klein  2 , Carrie L Johnson  3 , Benjamin Hale  3 , Feifei Ye  4
Affiliations

Mental Health, Physical Health, and Cultural Characteristics Among American Indians/Alaska Natives Seeking Substance Use Treatment in an Urban Setting: A Descriptive Study

Daniel L Dickerson et al. Community Ment Health J. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Although approximately 70% of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) reside in urban areas, our knowledge of risk and protective factors among AI/ANs seeking substance use treatment within urban areas is limited. We analyze substance and commercialized cigarette use, AI/AN cultural identity and involvement, physical health and cognitive functioning, and mental health symptoms among 63 AI/AN adults seeking substance use treatment within an urban area in California. Alcohol (37%), marijuana (27%), and methamphetamine (22%) were the most commonly reported substances. Sixty-two percent used commercialized tobacco use. The majority of AI/AN adults (78%) engaged in at least one traditional practice during the past month and endorsed high levels of spiritual connectedness. Those who engaged in traditional practices demonstrated significantly less depression (p = 0.007) and anxiety (p = 0.04). Medical and mental health issues were not prominent, although participants revealed high levels of cognitive impairment. Results highlight the importance of utilizing AI/AN traditional practices for AI/AN adults seeking substance use treatment within urban areas. Clinical Trials Registry Number NCT01356667.

Keywords: Alaska Natives; American Indians; Mental health; Substance use; Urban.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. All authors certify responsibility. NIAAA supported this research (1R34AA024818, Dickerson, PI).

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