Community and treatment program challenges for chemically dependent American Indian and Alaska Native women

Abstract

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is a serious and growing problem among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women. In addition, there is wide variation across communities in AOD use patterns, access to treatment for substance use, and access to other needed health services. An evaluation study was conducted to document the needs of AI/AN women in AOD treatment and the treatment services and community factors that both facilitate and impede recovery at nine IHS-funded treatment centers. The data illuminate the challenges posed to the treatment centers, and how communities influence the substance use patterns of AI/AN women, as well as prevention efforts and health promotion. The information derived from this study can be used to improve services for AI/AN women and the potential role of communities in reducing substance use among AI/AN women.