Substance Use in American Indian Family Relationships: Linking Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

American Indian (AI) families contend with greater health disparities than other minority groups, which is connected to present-day stressors and historical factors. Interviews conducted across parent and adult child generations to document experiences related to substance use using a lifeline narrative approach pointed to healing taking place individually, at the family-level, and across generational bonds. Specific themes elaborated in this article are: 1) Grandparents as Source of Stability; 2) Intergenerational Communication Regarding Substance Use; 3) Forgiveness and Healing; and 4) Healing Through Cultural Means. A discussion and clinical implications are presented in light of historical and current traumas and resiliencies.