Virtual intervention reduces substance use in American Indians and Alaska Natives
A clinical trial has demonstrated that a virtual prevention intervention reduced cannabis and alcohol use among American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults. In this study, published in JAMA Network Open, researchers tested the efficacy of a program called Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA) that blends evidence-based and traditional practices to prevent substance…
A clinical trial has shown that the virtual prevention program Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA) can reduce cannabis and alcohol use among American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults. TACUNA blends evidence-based practices with traditional activities like cooking, storytelling, and prayer to promote cultural connections and prevent substance use.
This study, published in JAMA Network Open, compared TACUNA to standard care, which included a single wellness workshop. Of the 541 participants aged 18-25, only the TACUNA group reported lower alcohol consumption and cannabis use frequency and quantity, as well as reduced anxiety symptoms and less exposure to peers using drugs, after 12 months.
TACUNA's virtual delivery during the pandemic proved effective, highlighting its accessibility for urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations struggling with substance use and cultural disconnection.
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