Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Native Americans in Recovery

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Native Americans have higher rates of substance abuse and dependence compared to the overall population. Native American youth have the highest rate of alcohol use, which in turn, makes them far more likely (than their peers from other ethnic groups) to seek outother substances/drugs.

Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that of the Native American adults who seektreatment for substances, alcohol was the most highly reported substance of abuse at approximately 66%.  Alcohol is followed by opioids (11.4%), and marijuana (7.4%).

Unfortunately, many Native Americans who need substance treatment do not get the appropriate care.  In fact, in 2019 less than 10% of Native Americans whostruggled with substanceabuse received any form of treatment in 2019. This is the lowest rate of treatment utilization among any racial or ethnic group in the United States.

However, Native American-specific treatment programs have been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for those struggling with substance abuse. For example, a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs found that Native American clients who participated in culturally responsive addiction treatment had significantly lower rates of relapse compared to those who received traditional Western style treatment.

The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Native Americans

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) has several potential benefits for Native Americans with substance abuse, including:

• Peer Connection/Support: IOP programs commonlyincorporate group therapy and support groups modalities. These groups can aid in clients building connections with, and relating to, others with similar struggles and/or experiences.  This sense of connectedness can be especially healing for Native Americans as many tend to feel isolated and alone (due to history of trauma and geographical isolation).
• Flexibility and Accessibility: IOP programs are often designed to be flexible and can accommodate clients’ work schedules or childcare needs. This can be particularly beneficial for Native Americans who may live in rural areas and have limited access to treatment facilities.
• Culturally SensitiveApproaches to Treatment: Tailoring IOP programs to specifically address the needs of Native Americans are essential. This means incorporating cultural values and traditional healing practices into the treatment experience. With culturally sensitive approaches, Native American clients tend tobe more comfortable and engaged in their treatment process, which ultimately improve outcomes.
• Holistic Healing:IOP programs usingholistic approaches address all aspects of an individual’s addiction– emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. This can be especially beneficial for Native Americans, as traditional healing practices often highlight the importance of harmony and balancebetween these individual aspects of a person.
• Cost-Effective: IOP programs are often less expensive than residential treatment programs, which can make them more accessible for Native Americans who may not have health insurance or have limited coverage.

Overall, IOP programs have the potential to provide effective and culturally sensitive treatment options for Native Americans struggling with substance abuse. By addressing the unique barriers faced by this population, IOP programs can improve treatment access and outcomes for Native Americans and promote long-term recovery.