Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
A National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded clinical trial evaluated Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA), a virtual prevention program designed to reduce substance use among American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults in urban areas.
TACUNA combines motivational interviewing, an evidence-based counseling technique, with traditional Indigenous activities such as cooking, storytelling, and prayer. These are integrated into workshops and a wellness gathering to promote healthy choices and relationships.
The study found that TACUNA participants reported reductions in cannabis and alcohol use, as well as decreased anxiety, suggesting the approach may benefit this population by blending cultural connectedness with evidence-based methods.
According to NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) director Nora Volkow, M.D., the intervention offers a supportive social environment and community engagement—key components for preventing substance use, especially for those who may feel disconnected from their tribal communities.
Previous research links traditional practice participation and cultural connectedness to lower drug use and improved mental health among American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, supporting TACUNA’s design.
The intervention addresses the higher risks of overdose deaths, cannabis use, and psychological distress faced by American Indian and Alaska Native emerging adults, providing an accessible, multifaceted approach tailored to their needs.