People who speak American Indian or Alaskan Native languages in Wisconsin tend to suffer from relatively high rates of ongoing substance abuse - especially in comparison to people of other racial groups. This is also the true for their rates of suicide, violence, and mental health disorders linked to addiction.
In particular, the historical trauma they suffered - as well as their spiritual and cultural beliefs - requires that their addiction treatment takes some special considerations into account.
How Drug Treatment for Native Americans and Alaskans Works
Individuals who speak Native American and Alaskan Native languages and who are addicted to drugs can benefit from specialized alcohol and drug treatment facilities. Like any other addiction rehab facility, these choices are comprised of a number of steps, including but not limited to:
a) Assessment, Testing, and Evaluation
Here, you will usually undergo comprehensive evaluation and testing by drug addiction professionals who may understand Native American and Alaskan Native languages or even come from these communities. By doing so, the experts will be able to better determine how severe your drug and alcohol addiction is and devise the most suitable rehab plan.
b) Detox
Following assessment, you may need to undergo detox to get rid of the remaining traces of the substances you were addicted to and are attempting to stop using. Detox is usually designed to help addicts in recovery withdraw in a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
As a person who speaks Native American and Alaskan Native languages, undergoing detox means that you will receive round the clock monitoring and care to ease your withdrawal and help you in case of any medical emergencies.
c) Pharmacological and Psychological Therapies
Once your condition has stabilized, the program offering addiction rehabilitation for Native American and Alaskan Native languages will adopt a multi-faceted approach to your recovery.
Having said that, treatment might typically be comprised of family, group, and individual therapy and counseling. If you have co-occurring mental health conditions or you were addicted to opiates, the rehab facility may also provide pharmacological rehabilitation.
In most cases, you may find that you will fare better from a combination of prescription medicines (where necessary) and psychotherapy especially if you were addicted to drugs and alcohol for an extended period time.
d) Aftercare
However, just because you finished the rehabilitation program laid out for you does not necessarily mean that your path to full recovery and abstinence is over. Having said that, recovering Native Americans and Alaskans may be offered the support they require after completing the treatment program. This might be provided through stays at halfway/sober houses, community support, vocational training, self-help group therapy sessions, and weekly outpatient rehab and therapy sessions.
Overall, as an individual who speaks Native American and Alaskan native languages, you can now benefit from the increasing number of selections available for drug addiction rehab. Keep in mind, the earlier you undergo rehab and overcome your drug and alcohol abuse disorder, the easier it will be for you to return to a life of normalcy free of alcohol and drugs.
Getting Help
If you need help, rest assured there are multiple facilities with their doors open for you. Simply reach out to one of the many centers in Wisconsin and get professional attention.
