Opioid use in indigenous populations: indigenous perspectives and directions in culturally responsive care

ABSTRACT

In this work, we outline the necessary components for culturally responsive treatment to opioid use disorders in Indigenous communities. First, we examine the context of historical trauma faced by Indigenous groups in the U.S. and how this context may affect successful implementation of treatment. We then outline the strategies of Penobscot Nation and Little Earth in developing holistic treatment regimens for Indigenous peoples, and list policy interventions suited to improve outcomes for Indigenous groups related to opioid use disorders. We conclude with suggestions for future directions in anti-colonial strategies for addressing opioid use in Indigenous communities. The combination of culturally responsive treatment, tribal sovereignty in the treatment of opioid use disorders, and effective resource allocation is necessary to affect positive change in Indigenous substance use trajectories.

KEYWORDS:

• Community-based interventions
• historical trauma
• indigenous populations
• opioid use disorder

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

¹ Over the course of this work, we use the word Indigenous, a term that does not center arbitrary geo-political lines, to describe American Indian, Native American, and Alaskan Native populations.

² We lowercase the word ‘white’ when referring to racial, ethnic, or cultural terms because white people generally have different histories and cultures than Indigenous people, and do not have a similar experience of being discriminated against because of skin color. This is part of the ongoing project of reclamation for Indigenous people.