Barriers to Treatment Access for Native Americans with Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders have been a longstanding problem for many Native American communities. The Native American population has higher rates of substance abusewhen compared to other ethnic populations. Of all the substances, alcohol is the most prevalent amongst Native Americans and thus, the most abused.

Even with the high incidence of substance use disorders among Native Americans, the percentage of those who receive treatment is very low. This is, in part, due to the many barriers Native Americans encounter that make it difficult for them to access treatment.

One of the primary barriersfor Native Americans who seek out substance abuse treatment is the lack of culturally sensitive treatment options. Unfortunately, many treatment programs fail to incorporate the cultural practices, traditions, and/or values of the Native American culture, making it difficult for Native Americans to maintain motivation and engagementthroughout the treatment process. Culturally sensitive treatment may include:

• Traditional healing practices
• Cultural competency for treatment providers
• Culturally adapted interventions
• Language translation services
• Family involvement

Another significant barrieris the lack of access to treatment due to geographical isolation. Many Native Americans reside in rural communities, where there are limited (if any) treatment options. Additionally, financial resources, or the lack thereof, can play a large role in Native Americans inability to access treatment.  Some communities may not have the resources to fund treatment programs, making it that much more challenging for individuals with substance use disorders to receive the care they need.

Historical traumaalso plays a considerable rolein why many Native Americans in need of substance abuse treatment do not get adequate care. Historical traumarefers to the ongoing intergenerational effects of genocide and colonization.These experiences, over time, often contribute to feelings of mistrust towards non-Native individuals and institutions, including mental health providers and treatment programs.

It is also important to note how shame and stigmacreate barriers to treatment for Native Americans with substance use issues. Substance use disorders are often viewed in a negative light and attributed to an individual’s moral weakness or failing rather than an addiction or medical condition.This stigma often creates a fear of judgmentand thus becomes another block toanyone’s willingness to seek treatment, including Native Americans.

Native Americans with substance use issues face numerous barriers that make accessing treatment a challenge.  Culturally sensitive treatment options, increased accessibility to treatment facilities, recognizing the impact of historical trauma, andaddressing stigma and shameare all crucialto breaking down the many barriers to equitable treatment for Native Americans.