The study focuses on the rising concerns regarding opioid use and opioid-related disorders among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) emerging adults living in urban areas. These individuals face a higher risk of opioid misuse compared to those living in rural areas.
The study aims to address this issue by implementing a prevention program called Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA). In the study, urban AI/AN emerging adults aged 18-25 will participate in a randomized controlled trial. They will either receive the TACUNA program, which consists of three virtual workshops incorporating motivational interviewing, social network visualization, traditional practices, and a wellness circle, or a single virtual workshop on culturally sensitive opioid education. The effects of the interventions will be evaluated over a 12-month period by analyzing the frequency of opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use, as well as social network characteristics and cultural connectedness. The project aims to provide culturally appropriate support to address opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use among urban AI/AN emerging adults. By integrating traditional practices and culturally sensitive strategies into the program, the study hopes to enhance resiliency and reduce substance use within this population. This research can improve substance use interventions and contribute to the well-being of AI/AN communities. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT04617938, with the aim of expanding opioid, alcohol, and cannabis services for urban AI/AN emerging adults while addressing the opioid epidemic and substance use at both community and individual levels.