Breaking Barriers: Addiction Recovery in Native Communities
A lot of programs are run by non-native people, so you don't know how they're going to treat you or receive you.
Ever wondered what stands in the way of addiction recovery for Native communities? This episode of 'Let's Talk Addiction & Recovery' brings those challenges to light. Hosted by William C. Moyers, the conversation features Andrew Williams, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and Selena, Coordinator and Facilitator for the Native Strongmen Project. They dive into the hurdles that Native communities face, from underfunded health systems to programs that don't resonate culturally.
Selena shares her firsthand experiences, emphasizing the need for recovery spaces that honor Native traditions and rituals. It's not just about overcoming addiction; it's about healing mind, body, and spirit in a way that feels authentic to the community. Family plays a crucial role in this journey, and Selena reminds us that Native communities possess the cultural wisdom to support their own recovery. The episode wraps up with a powerful discussion on trusting one's intuition.
If you're interested in understanding how cultural context shapes recovery, this episode is a must-listen.