Substance abuse has been an issue for a long time for Native Americans. Drug addiction is comparatively higher in Native Americans than in the rest of the U.S population. The consumption of marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs is higher there and becomes a cause of disorders.
Risk Factors: Addiction & Health
The factors that maters in the increasing Native American Addiction are as follows: –
- Past trauma
- Different forms of violence
- Low living conditions
- High level of pressure
- Not being able to do well in academics
- Not having a place to live in
- Not being able to live with parents
- Feeling detachment from people
- Not getting proper healthcare
There have been a lot of health issues faced by Native Americans due to addiction such as:
- Cancer
- Mental illness
- Suicide thoughts
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
Treatment Needs
Native Americans have a higher need for treatments for substance abuse but they mostly don’t go through the treatment because of society’s views. There should be proper treatment provided and citizens should not make them feel bad about it.
By providing proper medicines and care the person feels more at ease. There should be proper communication and therapy sessions should be provided. Involving the family and cultural members in the treatment process can help in the recovery of the patient. Providing support and helping in the treatment process can boost the confidence of the patient for recovery. The problem should be recognized by close friends and family and help should be provided by encouraging the person to get treated and recover.
Conclusion
Therapy and treatment can be a great help because they recognize the triggers for the problem and help with the withdrawal. Depression, anxiety, and mental health problems are the common cause of addiction and the person must want to get treated to recover. Family therapy can also help in the process because a lot of issues arise from the home situations and thus leads to addiction for some kind of alternative.
