KRC Articles

Alcoholics Anonymous-Related Benefit for Urban Native Americans: Does Urban Native American Gender Moderate AA Engagement and Outcomes?

/in , , /by

Authors: Rosa E. Munoz and J. Scott Tonigan

Publication Year: 2017

Last Updated:

Journal: Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly

Keywords: Gender Identity; Substance Use; Alcoholics Anonymous; Addiction; Moderation

 

Short Abstract: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most commonly accessed resources for individuals seeking to reduce their drinking.

 

Abstract: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most commonly accessed resources for individuals seeking to reduce their drinking. How urban Native Americans fare in AA is only beginning to be investigated in spite of circumstantial evidence suggesting that a majority of treatment-seeking urban Native Americans will receive 12-step treatment. Even less is known about Native American gender differences with regard to AA-related benefit. The current study addressed this gap by investigating urban Native American gender differences in AA attendance rates and outcomes. To this end, as part of two larger NIH-funded studies we recruited 63 Native American men and women and followed them for 9 months in this naturalistic study (n= 35 males, n = 28 females). Urban Native Americans significantly reduced their drinking over the study period, and AA attendance explained, in part, increased abstinence of study participants. No significant differences in AA attendance and drinking outcomes were observed between Native American men and women; however, descriptively men reported greater reductions in hazardous drinking relative to women. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5731782/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Integrating traditional practices and social network visualization to prevent substance use: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial among urban Native American emerging adults

/in , /by

Authors: Elizabeth J. D'Amico et al.

Publication Year: 2021

Last Updated:

Journal: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Substance Use; Emerging Adults; Resiliency; TACUNA; Opioids

 

Short Abstract: Nonmedical use of prescription opioids (defined as taking opioid medications for hedonic effects or in a manner other than prescribed) and the use of heroin have emerged in recent years as major public health concerns in the United States. Of particular concern is the prevalence of opioid use among emerging adults (ages 18–25), as this is a developmental period of heightened vulnerability and critical social, neurological, and psychological development.

 

Abstract: Background Nonmedical use of prescription opioids (defined as taking opioid medications for hedonic effects or in a manner other than prescribed) and the use of heroin have emerged in recent years as major public health concerns in the United States. Of particular concern is the prevalence of opioid use among emerging adults (ages 18–25), as this is a developmental period of heightened vulnerability and critical social, neurological, and psychological development. Data from 2015 show that American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have the highest rates of diagnosis for opioid use disorders (OUDs). One recent study found that the overdose death rate among urban-dwelling AI/AN individuals was 1.4 times higher compared to those living in rural areas. To date, there are no evidence-based prevention programs addressing opioid use among urban AI/AN emerging adults that integrate culturally-appropriate strategies with evidence-based treatment. Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA) builds on our prior work with AI/AN communities across California to develop and evaluate culturally appropriate programming to address opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use among urban AI/AN emerging adults. Methods/design In a randomized controlled trial, 18–25 year old urban AI/AN emerging adults will receive either TACUNA (n = 185), which comprises three virtual workshops utilizing motivational interviewing, social network visualization, and integrating traditional practices and a wellness circle, or one virtual culturally sensitive opioid education workshop (n = 185). We will evaluate intervention effects on primary outcomes of frequency of opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use, as well as secondary outcomes of social network characteristics and cultural connectedness, over a 12-month period. Discussion This project has the potential to expand the range and effectiveness of opioid, alcohol, and cannabis services for urban AI/AN emerging adults by addressing the opioid epidemic and use of other substances at both the community and individual level. In addition, it provides important culturally grounded conceptual and practical information to advance the field of substance use interventions and enhance resiliency among this population.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13722-021-00265-3

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article

Motivational interviewing and culture for urban Native American youth (MICUNAY): A randomized controlled trial

/in , , /by

Authors: Elizabeth J. D'Amico et al.

Publication Year: 2020

Last Updated:

Journal: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness; Substance Use; Adolescents; Motivational Interviewing; Intervention; Traditional Practices

 

Short Abstract: To date, few programs that integrate traditional practices with evidence-based practices have been developed, implemented, and evaluated with urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) using a strong research design.

 

Abstract: To date, few programs that integrate traditional practices with evidence-based practices have been developed, implemented, and evaluated with urban American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) using a strong research design. The current study recruited urban AI/AN teens across northern, central, and southern California during 2014–2017 to participate in a randomized controlled trial testing two cultural interventions that addressed alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Adolescents were 14–18 years old (inclusive), and either verbally self-identified as AI/AN or were identified as AI/AN by a parent or community member. We tested the added benefit of MICUNAY (Motivational Interviewing and Culture for Urban Native American Youth) to a CWG (Community Wellness Gathering). MICUNAY was a group intervention with three workshops that integrated traditional practices with motivational interviewing. CWGs were cultural events held monthly in each city. AI/AN urban adolescents (N = 185) completed a baseline survey, were randomized to MICUNAY + CWG or CWG only, and then completed a three- and six-month follow-up. We compared outcomes on AOD use, spirituality, and cultural identification. Overall, AOD use remained stable over the course of the study, and we did not find significant differences between these two groups over time. It may be that connecting urban AI/AN adolescents to culturally centered activities and resources is protective, which has been shown in other work with this population. Given that little work has been conducted in this area, longer term studies of AOD interventions with urban AI/AN youth throughout the U.S. are suggested to test the potential benefits of culturally centered interventions.

 

Source: Link to Original Article.

Funding:

Code:

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7477923/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article