Risk and protective factors of social networks on alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use among urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults.

Abstract

Objectives: Assess associations between social networks and urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults' alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use and intentions. Method: American Indian/Alaska Native participants ages 18-25 (N = 150; 86% female) were recruited across the United States from 12/20 to 10/21 via social media. Participants named up to 15 people whom they talked with most over the past 3 months and reported who (a) used alcohol and cannabis heavily or used other drugs (e.g., opioid use), (b) engaged in traditional practices, and (c) provided support. They also reported past 3-month alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use and intentions to use. Results: Having a higher proportion of network members engaging in regular cannabis and heavy alcohol use (but not other drugs) was associated with more frequent cannabis use and stronger cannabis use intentions. Participants with higher proportions of members engaging in heavy alcohol use, regular cannabis use, or other drug use and who did not engage in traditional practices were more likely to report cannabis use and greater intentions to use cannabis and drink alcohol. In contrast, participants with higher proportions of network members engaging in traditional practices and who did not report heavy alcohol use, regular cannabis use, or other drug use were less likely to report intentions to use cannabis or drink alcohol. Conclusions: Findings emphasize what many studies have shown among various racial/ethnic groups-having network members who use substances increases the chance of use. Findings also highlight that traditional practices may be an important part of the prevention approach for this population. Public Health Significance StatementThere are no prior studies that have examined the role of social networks on health behaviors (including substance use) among urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults in the United States. Participants with a higher proportion of network members engaging in traditional practices but not heavy substance use were less likely to report intentions to use cannabis or drink alcohol. This study highlights that traditional practices (e.g., beading, storytelling, dancing) may be an important part of the prevention approach for this population.

Sleep Problems and Health Outcomes Among Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Adolescents

“…American Indian and Alaska Native people have significant strengths, including strong cultural identity and shared values and traditions, which serve as protective health factors . However, the legacy and enduring effects of historically based trauma, such as forced relocation from tribal homelands, have contributed to disproportionately higher chronic disease burden among this population, including increased risk for alcohol and other drug use, suicide, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease .…”

“…American Indian and Alaska Native people have significant strengths, including strong cultural identity and shared values and traditions, which serve as protective health factors. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 However, the legacy and enduring effects of historically based trauma, such as forced relocation from tribal homelands, have contributed to disproportionately higher chronic disease burden among this population, including increased risk for alcohol and other drug use, 5 , 6 suicide, 7 , 8 obesity, 9 type 2 diabetes, 10 and cardiovascular disease. 11 , 12 , 13 The COVID-19 pandemic exposed important sources of resilience in American Indian and Alaska Native people, including community connection and family cohesion, 14 but also highlighted inequities, including increased exposure to poverty, crowding, food insecurity, and reduced health care access, which increase susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and mortality.…”