Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. 2001 ; 10(2): 67-84.

American Indian and Alaska Native substance abuse: co-morbidity and cultural issues.

Gray N, Nye PS.

University of Arizona College of Public Health, Tucson, AZ, USA.

The devastating impact of substance abuse on American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) is reviewed with an emphasis on psychological and physical effects. Co-morbidity of substance abuse, trans-generational trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and depression among AI/ANs is also discussed since each condition may cause, impact, and/or exacerbate the others. The Medicine Wheel, one respected and accepted treatment approach developed by AI/AN communities, is described in detail since it helps address all of the co-morbid issues discussed.