Addressing Substance Use Utilizing a Community-Based Program among Urban Native American Youth Living in Florida

Abstract

This study was conducted in Florida among two urban Native American youth programs that are sponsored by urban Native American community organizations. Convenience and snowballing were used as a sample recruitment strategy. Assignment to the experimental condition (UTC) and the control condition (SE) was established by randomizing the two community youth program sites to the two conditions. Utilization of a culturally relevant theory, Native-Reliance, guided the intervention approach for the prevention of substance use among urban Native American youth. Results of this study provided evidence that a culturally based intervention was significantly more effective for the reduction of substance use interest and general well-being than a non-culturally based intervention for urban Native American youth. Prevention programs for urban Native American early adolescent youth that utilize Native American strengths, values, and beliefs to promote healthy behavior and reduce the harm associated with high-risk behaviors such as substance use are strongly recommended.

A Cultural‐Based approach to address substance use among urban Native American young adults

“…Native Americans have long used the Talking Circle to celebrate the sacred interrelationship that is shared with one another and with their world (Simpson, 2000). In previous intervention studies where, Native American values were integrated and conducted with youth, significant increases in the reduction of substance use and related problems have been demonstrated (Lowe et al, 2012(Lowe et al, , 2016Wimbish-Cirilo et al, 2020). The Talking Circle prevention program integrated concepts and values from the Native-Reliance theoretical framework which describes the holistic worldview, values, beliefs, and behaviors within the urban Native American community.…”

“…The items had high factor loadings on their assigned dimensions (>0.60) and low factor loadings on other dimensions, indicating discriminate and convergent validity (Lowe et al, 2019). It is expected that the increased presence of Native‐Reliance predicts better health outcomes such as improved mental health and well‐being and decreased alcohol and substance use (Lowe et al, 2016; Wimbish‐Cirilo et al, 2020). The I‐GAIN includes a substance use interest scale that includes a 16‐item subscale to assess substance use and has been found to have face and content validity along with a test–retest reliability coefficient α of 0.86 (Dennis et al, 2006; Lowe et al, 2016).…”

“…Previous studies have determined that urbanized Native Americans became marginalized and adapted poorly to westernized lifestyles, obtained little to no employment, and suffered from untreated physical and mental illnesses (Friesen et al, 2015; Gone & Trimble, 2012). As a result, their overall health status has been negatively impacted considerably in comparison to other American ethnic groups (Wimbish‐Cirilo et al, 2020). A report by the Urban Indian Health Commission with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation described urban Native Americans as “Invisible Tribes.” (Urban Indian Health Commission [UIHC], 2007).…”

“…Support systems such as extended families and loss of connection to cultural beliefs and customs (i.e., sacred ceremonies and rituals) are almost nonexistent for these young adults during this period of vulnerability). The integration of cultural beliefs and values can serve as protective factors, which play an important role in the reduction and prevention of substance use (Lowe et al, 2016(Lowe et al, , 2022Wimbish-Cirilo et al, 2020). Studies have indicated that the higher presence of cultural identity, stress is reduced, and overall well-being is improved (Kelley & Lowe, 2018).…”

Personality Resources of Adolescents in the Educational Environment

“…Например, в образовательной среде это службы и программы сопровождения в образовательных организациях, психологи, работающие в поликлиниках, центрах психолого-педагогической, медицинской и социальной помощи, телефоны доверия, группы поддержки и др. [14][15][16]. Также к данной группе исследователи относят внешкольные занятия, организации, клубы по интересам [17].…”