Running head: SUBSTANCE ABUSE 1
Counseling Native Americans on substance abuse
Stephen King
Liberty University
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Abstract
As a Human service professional, you will be challenged. The understanding of the Native
American culture will be essential to be effective as a counselor. Alcohol, substance abuse and
suicide are a major concern to the culture and these problems has been known to start at an early
age. Unfortunately, substance abuse and addiction in Native American culture seem to marry
one another. Although, alcohol has created many forms of problems within the Native American
culture it is not the only vice. Substance abuse within the culture is not limited to any specific
age group. The effects that abuse can have on a person is some that is detrimental to their
physical and mental state of mind. Native Americans substance abuse issues are usually referred
by the criminal justice system. The eighth leading cause of death among Native Americans is
suicide. Counseling this particular group will require a balance when introducing spirituality.
The many tribes within the Native American culture have vastly different religious views.
Native Americans value spirituality and they are more inclined to use old tribal methods when
treating aliments both physical and mental. Counseling a Native American client will require the
knowledge of the culture to be effective.
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SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Counseling Native Americans on substance abuse
I. Cultural Awareness
A. Understanding the Native American culture
1. norms that are acceptable in the culture, traditions
2. counseling and acceptance in the culture
B. Challenges
1. cultural traditions in treatment
2. client’s perspective in regard to counseling
II. Counseling Approach
A. historical approaches used in the past
1. know what worked
3. learn from failures and plan for success
B. different approaches in regard to culture
1. perspective and open-minded approach to assist those in need
2. offering a different approach to help with results in the counseling
III. Religious and Spiritual Application
A. Spirituality in the Native American culture
1. the importance of tradition in healing and recovery
2. balance of the client’s culture and counselor’s faith for success
B. Religion in counseling
1. healing and religion in counseling
2. other avenues to approach in healing process if religion is not working
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