Fatherhood Roles and Drug Use among Young American Indian Men

Abstract

Background: High rates of substance abuse among young American Indian (AI) fathers pose multigenerational challenges for AI families and communities. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe substance use patterns among young AI fathers and examine the intersection of substance use with men’s fatherhood roles and responsibilities. Methods: As part of a home-visiting intervention trial for AI teen mothers and their children, in 2010 we conducted a descriptive study of fatherhood and substance use on three southwestern reservations. Substance use and parenting data were collected from n = 87 male partners of adolescent mothers using audio computer-assisted self-interviews. Results: Male partners were on average 22.9 years old, primarily living with their children (93%), unmarried (87%), and unemployed (70%). Lifetime substance use was high: 80% reported alcohol; 78% marijuana; 34% methamphetamines; 31% crack/cocaine; and 16% reported drinking binge in the past 6 months. Substance use was associated with history of alcohol abuse among participants’ fathers (but not mothers); participants’ poor relationships with their own fathers; unemployment status; and low involvement in child care. Conclusion: Drug and alcohol abuse may be obstructing ideal fatherhood roles among multiple generations of AI males. Scientific Significance: Targeting drug prevention among young AI men during early fatherhood may provide special opportunity to reduce substance use and improve parenting. Intergenerational approaches may hold special promise.

• American Indian
• fatherhood
• substance use
• drug use

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We respectfully acknowledge the families who participated in this study and all study team members. We thank tribal leaders and community stakeholders who generously contributed time and wisdom to shaping the research protocol. Financial support for this work was provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Declaration of Interest

John T. Walkup declares the following: Dr. John Walkup received free medication and placebo from Lilly, Pfizer, and Abbott for NIMH-funded studies. He is a consultant for Shire Pharmaceuticals. He is a paid investigator on grants funded by Pfizer. He receives honoraria and expenses for continuing education presentations from the joint Tourette Syndrome Association and Center for Disease Control outreach program. He receives royalties from Guilford Press and Oxford Press for books on Tourette syndrome. He receives grant funding from the Tourette Syndrome Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Tourette Syndrome Association, Trichotillomania Learning Center, and the Anxiety Disorder Association of America without pay but with travel expenses covered.

The other authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.