Native Americans and Substance Abuse

Looking at the Rates of Alcohol and Drug Use in Tribal Communities

Native Americans and substance abuse are of great concern to tribal leaders in Arizona. Largely the result of the historical trauma among American Indian and Alaska natives, the general population of these communities faces significantly higher rates of substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Changes Healing Center welcomes Native Americans to our JCAHO-accredited treatment programs. We provide Native Americans and many other racial groups with culturally-appropriate, evidence-based practices and a solid knowledge of the risk factors that lead to substance dependence.

This article presents the numbers that prove the need for delivering safe and effective substance abuse treatment to the community.

Federal Statistics on American Indian and Alaska Native Drug and Alcohol Use Disorders

These federal numbers reveal a nationwide trend of alcohol and drug use. A larger number of Native Americans reviewed gives greater context and helps clarify the reasons that drive the need for better mental health and psychiatric services within the community.

The ongoing disparities are a real challenge and have left Native Americans experiencing far more substance abuse than others. In 2024, the National Institute of Health launched a program empowering Native American communities to lead research on substance abuse. They hope offering scientists in the community a seat at the table will help lower the risk factors for substance abuse among Native Americans and reduce overdose deaths.

The United States Census Bureau reported just 3.7 million who identified as Native American or American Indian in the 2020 Census, just 1.1 of the country’s general population. That’s the second smallest racial minority group, with only Pacific Islanders being smaller (0.5% of the population).

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rates Above the National Average

Here are some numbers that show the need for improved minority health and community outreach:

• Illicit Drug Use: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found in their National Survey that 36.7% of Native Americans above age 12 reported illicit drug use in the past year. That’s the highest substance use rate among all surveyed, surpassing blacks (27.7%), whites (26.1%), Hispanics (21.6%), and Asians (12.4%).
• Substance Use Disorders: About 25.3% of American Indian and Alaska natives over age 12 reported a substance use disorder, which proves again that Native Americans are at an increased risk compared to other communities.

Young Native Americans and Drug Abuse

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) research suggests that substance abuse services are needed not only for adults. In fact, young Native Americans – both adolescents and young adults – also struggle with mental health disorders, including substance use.

• Alcohol Use: 26% of Native American youth admitted to using alcohol in the CDC study
• Marijuana Use: 23% of adolescent Native Americans reported smoking marijuana

Substance Abuse and Overdose Rates

The disparities in overdose deaths point to an urgent need for effective treatment for mental health issues, including substance use, for Native Americans.

• The CDC recorded the highest rate of drug overdose deaths among Native American communities, with 65.2 deaths per 100,000. That’s literally double the national average of 32.6 overdose deaths per 100,000.

This death rate is partially due to the community having one of the highest methamphetamine abuse rates. Today’s meth often means the presence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that many don’t realize is in the meth.

The State of Tribes in Arizona: Drug and Alcohol-Related Statistics for Native Americans

With the big picture delivered by the federal agencies, let’s look into how substance use impacts Native Americans living in the Grand Canyon State.

Alcohol-Related Causes of Death for Native Americans in AZ

The State Department of Public Health shares state-specific numbers:

• Alcohol-related Deaths: In 2021, 488 alcohol-related deaths were recorded in Native populations in the state. That number included 320 males and 168 females.
• Chronic Liver Disease: An additional 296 Native Americans died of liver diseases directly tied to alcohol abuse, the same year.

Limited Access to Social Services and Behavioral Health Programs

While the percentage of Native Americans struggling with substance abuse is high, access to treatment programs remains disproportionately low. While the state has not shared an update since 2005, 2,882 people received addiction treatment at that time. An additional 6,430 sought substance abuse prevention services, according to the same report.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Provides Limited Mental Health Care

The Indian Health Service faces challenges in providing treatment programs for mental illness and substance abuse, despite the heightened risk factors within the community. The federal government has a history of chronic underfunding of programs, making it hard for Native Americans to seek treatment. The programs also have staffing shortages and geographical distances that are hard to overcome.

The IHS offers essential services. But accessibility to behavioral health care in underserved areas remains an ongoing problem. Many Native Americans have co-occurring mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. These aren’t always addressed in a culturally responsive way.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s treatment improvement protocols, traditional healing practices and honoring cultural beliefs like spirituality are the key to successful drug abuse treatment outcomes. Strengthening protective factors like family and community support may help decrease the lifetime prevalence of mental health issues among Native Americans.

For now, IHS tries their best but often falls short of meeting expectations.

Kai Used Health Insurance to Better Seek Treatment Options

‘Kai’ came to Changes Healing Center with a severe drug abuse problem. He had fallen into a very deep depression because he saw no way out of his addiction. Twice, he had tried to get help at the local clinic, but he couldn’t find relief – they offered him methadone but didn’t provide counseling services.

His concerned brother had even called the suicide prevention hotline in the past month out of fear for Kai’s safety. The hotline explained to Kai’s brother that health insurance coverage includes mental health services, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

Kai heard and understood his family’s pleas and came to Changes Healing Center for help. During intake assessments, Kai learned that he had a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder and opioid use disorder. He’d been using illicit drugs to numb the pain of his depression. Armed with an accurate diagnosis, the treatment team devised a custom treatment plan that started with a safe medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, and professional counseling.

He worked hard in therapy to understand his addiction and how to cope with his triggers, while the doctor found an effective prescription to manage his bipolar symptoms.

Because of his hard work at Changes, Kai graduated from his drug abuse treatment program with flying colors. He knew that mental illness ran high among Native Americans, even more than other ethnic groups – a tragic result of generational trauma.

Because of his love for his people, he decided to get certified and start a SMART Recovery program when he went home. He continues helping his community avoid falling into the trap of addiction. His ancestors are proud.

Find Culturally-Sensitive Treatment for Tribes Across Arizona at Changes

If you’re a member of one of Arizona’s many Native American communities, you are probably keenly aware of the lack of culturally-aware treatment programs. We have tailored substance abuse services to help native Americans overcome drug and alcohol abuse and related mental health conditions.

We’re confident that we can help you succeed in sobriety, despite the adversity and risk factors you’ve faced in the past.

Call us today for help – reaching out to our admissions team is always confidential.