Exploring community and cultural opportunities to decrease substance abuse among American Indian youth: A photovoice project

Abstract

The author examines community and cultural opportunities to decrease substance abuse among American Indian (AI) youth. A long-term goal of the research is to advise in the development of culturally meaningful and sustainable programs to decrease substance abuse and promote health and wellness among American Indian people. Substance use is high among AI people, both adults and youth, when compared to other racial categories, for almost all types of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, and non-medical use of prescription drugs. The literature supports the challenges that AI youth face in avoiding substance abuse, and also documents the value of the qualitative research methodology used for this project: Photovoice. The methodology required AI youth associated with the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation in Northwestern Wisconsin to take more than 30 photos a week to document settings and activities that may be instrumental in decreasing substance abuse. A Consensual Qualitative Research team documented the results of discussions by means of a social ecological model (SEM). Participants in the project agreed on a series of factors, documented as domains within the SEM, that could result in decreased substance abuse among AI youth. Individual level factors include cultural activity engagement, cultural knowledge/learning, mindfulness, reading, and personal hobbies. Interpersonal level factors include elder wisdom/connection to elders, mentorship, board games, and sports/physical fitness. Community level factors include community support, education, outdoors/nature, gathering place, and community/school-driven activities. Participants delivered to AI stakeholders the results of the research by means of a presentation highlighted by 13 posters—each in turn highlighted by one of the photos taken—and a description of the setting, activity, or environment represented. The author calls for programs aimed at decreased substance abuse among AI youth exhibit the activities most meaningful and described to be helpful in reducing substance abuse among AI youth.