Exploring Culturally Based Treatment Options for Opioid Use Disorders Among American Indian and Alaska Native Adults in California

Abstract

Objective: American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities have been severely affected by the opioid epidemic, resulting in high opioid overdose death rates and disrupted community life. An added complexity is the diversity of AIAN communities throughout California, with regional differences, resources, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. This study examined the perspective of 163 AIANs in California to assess culturally based or traditional healing treatment modalities to treat opioid/substance use disorder.

Method: A total of 21 adult focus groups were conducted throughout 10 counties in California reaching 20 urban and tribal communities. Eight of these focus groups were conducted in recovery centers and 13 focus groups were conducted in tribal and urban organizations. Interviews were transcribed and coded using NVivo software utilizing an iterative coding approach with a priori domains.

Results: Participants emphasized building a sense of belonging, connecting with their culture, and having awareness of substance use disorder and treatment as protective factors.

Conclusions: Findings indicate that medications for opioid use disorder programs serving AIAN communities should include cultural components that resonate with urban and tribal communities.