Indigenous Program

Poverty levels are higher among Native Americans, nearly twice as high as the national average. Living below the poverty line and struggling with homelessness increases the risk of mental health disorders, including substance abuse.

40% percent of self-identified Native Americans who live on or close to reservations struggle with inadequate health resources and treatment options. Simple things like acute pain, moderate mental health disorders, or injuries can quickly become chronic pain, severe mental health disorders, and addictions when drugs or alcohol are the best available resource.

Those who struggle with poverty or inadequate resources are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol in the home. When this happens, children see abuse regularly, and it becomes normal. It is equally likely that these same families will experience discrimination or violence within their homes or within their communities.

Over half the Native American population lives in urban or suburban environments, away from reservations. These people are more likely to experience alienation from their culture, community, and tribe. Feelings of alienation can lead to loneliness and isolation, compounded by things like discrimination or violence. This increases the risk of substance abuse.

Native Americans have dealt with discrimination for hundreds of years, and that discrimination has never gone away. Discrimination takes place in large settings, like the historical discrimination of a tribe, as well as in small settings, like within their community or on the reservation.

Reservations experience high violence levels, especially domestic violence. Those who experience any form of violence or trauma can develop depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Native Americans experience violence twice as often as the average American of any other demographic, and without treatment, it can lead to or exacerbate substance abuse and mental health disorders. 

With Seven Arrows Recovery, we provide trauma-informed care for victims of violence or discrimination and offer inpatient treatment programs that remove alienation. Call us today to learn more.