With six recognized racial categories, there are several others residing in the US that have various health and rehabilitation needs. White American, African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander are the six officially classified races in the United States. The Native Americans or the Indian Americans make up a small representation in the country population and usually live in the western region.
Compared to other racial groups, Native Americans find themselves to be the most vulnerable to social issues. They are subjected to racial stereotyping and disparity. This results in leading them towards developing health, behavioral and psychological problems.
The Native American population, despite making a minute contribution to the overall percentage, undergoes some of the highest rates of illicit substance abuse, mental health disorders, and suicide cases.
Considering that Native Americans have certain distinct spiritual and cultural beliefs, and the fact that they have dealt with extensive trauma in the past, they need to be carefully considered when it comes to drug rehabilitation and health interventions.
To provide them with the best possible health solution, it is, indeed, imperative to understand their needs and cultural approach so that they acquire long-lasting recovery.
When it comes to Native Americans, there are some essential factors that need to be taken into consideration. Interracial violence, social typecasting, poverty, drug overdose, addiction, and substance abuse are some of the most common social issues found among the Native population.
According to the census report, the Native population is more likely to live in poverty than other racial groups. Also, there is a significant lack of insurance coverage for Natives. One out of three Natives does not have the insurance coverage which can take care of their health needs. This is the reason why their life expectancy is 6 years lower than the national average.
Substance Abuse Amongst Native Americans
Substance abuse has become one of the most common social issues in the Native population. The pressures they sustain in the form of broken treaties, consistent relocations, legalized segregation, and several political injustices has subjected them to mental health and behavioral disorders. These issues compel them to seek relief in illicit substances.
The use of meth and opioids has grown exponentially over a period of time. The trend of alcoholism is also escalating as Natives are continually pushed into isolation and are made victims of racism. The majority of Natives have dual disorders.
They struggle with substance addiction problems as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Instead of seeking medical help, they are relying more on self-medicating techniques to overcome their mental health conditions. This is ultimately adding up to the substance addiction problems, resulting in more overdose-related deaths and incidents.
As per the statistics, 8.5% of the Native population between the age of 12 and 17 years suffer from alcohol use disorder. 23.6% of the 12-20-year-old population is found to have binge drinking issues. 50% of Natives above the age of 12 have indulged in marijuana abuse, and 17% are accustomed to cocaine. This denotes the concerning trend of substance and alcohol abuse.
The lack of health insurance coverage is also proving to be an extensive hindrance for the Native population to seek drug rehab treatment and recovery options.
Treatment Options
Due to limited access to drug rehab services, there is only a portion of the addict population that actually gets the required treatment. The low rate in treatment engagement is also due to social barriers and the stigma that’s attached to the community. Also, they have a different cultural approach towards treatment and therapies which are not considered by every rehab treatment center.
However, Scottsdale Recovery Center endeavors to offer its services without any prejudice. We believe drug addiction is a disease that no community, creed or nationality should suffer from. We offer the best services that the Native Americans deserve and have right to. The Center partners with the Arizona Tribal Nations to ensure that our Native fellows receive all the help and support they need to overcome addiction.
To accommodate the cultural needs of Natives, we have holistic as well as traditional treatment plans that offer an integrated drug rehabilitation approach to address all sorts of addictions.
Medical Detox
The first step in the integrated approach for drug addiction treatment for our clients starts from the medical detox. This is the process in which your body undergoes a cleansing stage and all toxins are effectively removed to ensure that they cause no more damage to your body and brain.
This phase takes place in an appropriate clinical setting and is supervised by trained medical practitioners. The duration of medical detox lasts two to fourteen days, depending on the severity and substance of abuse.
Inpatient Residential Program
Considering the fact that Natives are prone to having a dual existing disorder, they need treatment which can address both their problems – drug addiction as well as the co-occurring mental health disorder. Inpatient residential program is the best option for optimum and long-lasting recovery.
We plan it in a customized manner, bearing in accordance with the condition of the individual and the health needs they might have. This program entails a mixture of therapies including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
It also includes holistic treatment including equine therapy, guided meditation, recovery-based yoga, and music therapy. We also ensure that the traditional recovery therapies are also included to facilitate the recovery process for them. This includes meditation, dance therapy, and talking circles.
Outpatient Rehab Program
This is a treatment option available for the Native Americans located across Arizona to help them address their drug addiction problem. We strive to make things as convenient for the community as possible. Outpatient rehab program endeavors to help you build better skills and relationships that are needed to achieve long-term recovery. This program works on helping you overcome the drug cravings and fight the relapse possibilities.
Besides detox, inpatient rehab treatment and outpatient program, there are multiple other options too that include PHP, sober living, and lifetime therapy. They can effectively help you overcome your addiction problems and support you in leading a healthy and positive life.
For more information, call us on 882.892.7288 now to get any question related to drug addiction and rehabilitation answered by our professional team members who understand the importance of collective well-being and individual uniqueness.
If you are struggling from an addiction problem, or see your loved ones going through it, do not let any fear preventing you from reaching out towards the help you need. Do not deny yourself the right to lead a healthy and constructive life.
