Content Analysis of Preferred Recovery Pathways Among Urban American Indians and Alaska Natives Experiencing Alcohol Use Disorders

Approximately three fourths of the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population lives in urban areas, and urban AI/ANs are disproportionately affected by alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. Although no studies have documented alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment outcomes specific to urban AI/ANs, studies in other Native communities highlight concerns about the cultural acceptability of directive, abstinence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and 12-step programs. Understanding this population’s desired recovery pathways in their own words may help providers create more culturally appropriate, patient-centered, and effective approaches. Participants (N = 31) were urban AI/ANs who screened positive for AUD using the AUDIT-C. They participated in semi-structured interviews eliciting their experiences in AUD treatment to date and suggestions for redesigning AUD treatment in their own vision. Conventional content analysis was used to create a thematic description. Findings indicated that intrinsic motivation and not extrinsic pressure (e.g., mandated treatment) was associated with positive treatment engagement and outcomes. Participants appreciated feeling safe and supported in AUD treatment, but also felt AUD treatment could be institutional and oppressive. Participants preferred compassionate counselors with lived experience who could provide insights into recovery; they largely did not appreciate a “tough love” approach or power struggles with counselors. Native-led treatment centers providing access to cultural practices were preferred. Moving forward, participants suggested AUD treatment providers should help patients meet basic needs, prioritize patient-driven versus provider-driven goal-setting, support patients’ reconnection with meaningful activities, facilitate access to a supportive community network, and recognize cultural activities as important recovery pathways.