Pulling for Native communities: Alan Marlatt and the Journeys of the Circle

Abstract

Alan Marlatt was an innovator and a champion of substance abuse prevention and treatment in Native American communities. He was the principal investigator of a National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism funded study called the Journeys of the Circle project. Journeys of the Circle was a collaboration between the University of Washington and the Seattle Indian Health Board and resulted in the Canoe Journey – Life's Journey prevention curriculum for Native adolescents. The purpose of Canoe Journey – Life's Journey is to learn life skills using cultural beliefs and practices. The curriculum uses the metaphor of going on a Canoe Journey to teach communication, problem solving, decision-making, and coping skills. It is widely recognized as a promising practice and has been implemented in numerous tribal communities in the United States and Canada. Alan's impact on Native communities extends far beyond Canoe Journey – Life's Journey. Relapse prevention is an integral part of most treatment programs and harm reduction strategies are becoming increasingly more common in Native communities. Alan's passing is a profound loss but his teachings will continue.

• American Indian/Alaska Native youth
• substance abuse
• prevention
• Canoe Journey – Life's Journey
• life skills training
• Alan Marlatt