Alcohol and Cannabis Use, Social Networks, and Non-Reservation American Indian / Alaska Native Emerging Adults: A Multi-level Dyadic Analysis.

Abstract

Objective: The study investigated associations between social network characteristics and alcohol and cannabis (AC) use among non-reservation-living American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) emerging adults (18-25 years old), with a focus on the potential protective influence of AI/AN traditional practices (e.g., dancing, storytelling, beading).

Method: The study used a multi-level, multivariable dyadic approach to analyze personal network composition and network connectivity (centrality and density) from 470 AI/AN emerging adults living in non-reservation areas across the United States. Eligible participants completed an online survey, which included questions about social networks and AC use.

Results: Findings indicated that network members who were similar in age, perceived to be friends, and lived nearby were more likely to be AC-use partners. Network members who shared AI/AN identity but did not engage in traditional practices were more likely to be AC-use partners than non-AI/AN network members. Analysis of network density demonstrated that having highly connected networks was associated with lower odds of respondents engaging in AC use with members of their networks. However, highly central network members had higher odds of AC use with respondents relative to those less central in the network. Findings were robust when controlling for respondent and network AC use.

Conclusions: The study underscores the significance of the network context of AC use for non-reservation AI/AN emerging adults. The protective role of AI/AN traditional practices highlights the importance of strength-based intervention approaches that promote healthy social connections and traditional practices. Future research should test hypotheses longitudinally to inform more effective prevention strategies.