Preventing Substance Use in American Indian Youth: The Case for Social Support and Community Connections

Abstract

Aims: This study explored the relationship between social support, community connections, self-esteem, and culture on misuse in American Indian youth. Methods: The study team developed a culturally-responsive 16-question survey for American Indian youth ages 12–20 living in six American Indian communities in the Great Plains Region of the United States. The study was grounded in primary socialization theory and variables were explored using regression models. Results: A total of 565 American Indian youth completed the participant survey between January 2016 and August 2017. The present study found that community connections were negatively associated with marijuana use in American Indian youth. Higher community connection scores were associated with higher social support and self-esteem scores. Conclusions: Tribally-led prevention initiatives can fill an important socio-behavioral prevention gap by facilitating social support opportunities for American Indian youth who may not have adequate support from immediate family or friends.

Keywords:

• American Indian youth
• substance use
• community
• social support
• primary socialization theory

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank our prevention site coordinators in American Indian communities: Rufus Spear, Crystal Benton, Ernie Bighorn, Tony Prairiebear, Kellie Webb, and Phil Stevens. Community members, elders, and program partners are at the core of prevention and we appreciate their dedication.

Dr. Thomas McCoy and Dr. John Bradley for their expertise and review of this manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by SAMSHA, Grant number: 5U79SP020702-03 CFDA 93.243 and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention