Addiction & Mental Health Resources for Native Americans

Members of the Native American community face unique challenges rooted in historical trauma, systemic inequities, and cultural displacement. As a result, the Indigenous community has higher rates of substance use disorders and mental disorders than other demographics. Culturally sensitive addiction and mental health resources for Native Americans that incorporate traditional healing practices alongside modern therapeutic approaches are especially valuable, as they honor heritage and identity while addressing their specific needs. Access to these resources not only supports recovery and emotional well-being but also helps strengthen community resilience. Investing in comprehensive care for Native Americans is a step toward healing generational wounds and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

The resources below were established to help the Native American community find hope and healing.

Native Americans and Substance Abuse

The resources below were established to help the Native American community find hope and healing.

Addiction Resources for Native Americans

Substance use is a large concern amongst Native American people for a variety of reasons, some of which are rooted in ancestral trauma. It may feel impossible to overcome your substance addiction as a member of the Indigenous community, but we assure you it’s not. However, we understand there are many barriers to healing in the Native American community. These include discrimination, lack of access, geographical barriers, and underfunding.

If you feel unable to receive help in person, know there are many resources available to you wherever you are. You can utilize them online or over the phone. Then, they can connect you with in-person support from there. These Native American addiction resources are tailored for individuals in the Indigenous community. The organizations behind them understand your struggles and your situation.

Here are some helpful addiction resources for Native Americans:

Native Americans and Mental Health

High-stress jobs like military service can unquestionably lead to mental health challenges. Individuals are subject to stress, grief, fear, and misplaced guilt and often don’t know who to talk to about it. Unresolved trauma can lead to distress, emotional overwhelm, and symptoms of mental disorders. For instance, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common mental illness in veterans. An average of 7 percent of veterans report having PTSD symptoms, with a higher percentage in women than men. It’s likely that many more suffer without receiving help.

Similarly, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, suicidal ideation, and self-harm are illnesses many veterans face after their service. Further, mental disorders often lead to substance use disorders (SUD) and vice versa. Each issue worsens the other with devastating effects. Thus, military veteran mental health services are imperative in showing veterans they are valued and appreciated for their service.

Mental Health Resources for Native Americans

Mental health resources for Native Americans make a difference in individual’s lives and in the health of their community. If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental wellness, you aren’t alone. There are many resources made to offer support for exactly what you’re going through. Please utilize these resources for the Indigenous community to receive support for your mental health challenges.

Here are some helpful mental health resources for Native Americans:

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Where Else Can Native Americans Go for Help for Addiction and Mental Health?

There is a need for recovery programming for Indigenous people that honors their traditional healing practices. At Footprints to Recovery, we provide a specialized treatment track for Native Americans that follows culturally-based healing combined with conventional therapy. To elaborate, our Native American Program (NAP) includes the following services:

Wellbriety teachings
Healing circles
Tribal healing events
Sweat lodge ceremonies
12-step recovery groups (including The Medicine Wheel)
Wellbriety-certified facilitators and consultants
Partnerships with local tribal communities

Footprints to Recovery’s rehabilitation centers are Wellbriety-certified to provide a culturally relevant healing program. Additionally, our Native American Program emphasizes cultural identity, community integration, and trauma healing. Our rehab resources for Native Americans provide a way to move forward toward wellness by resolving lasting pain. Please reach out to learn more about how our mental health rehab centers provide culturally-specific trauma-focused care. We also encourage you to utilize these resources to begin your healing journey for Native Americans.