Alternative-Traditional Treatment and Substance Disorder Among American Indian Veterans

Purpose. This study was undertaken to describe the prevalence of three most common CAT modaties amongAmerican Indian (AI) and Hispanic American (HA) veterans in the Southwest and North Central regions, to compare CAT use with primary care and mental health care, and to assess CAT use in relation to mental health symptoms and disorders.

Sample. This is a community samples of 700 American Indian veterans.

Data Collection. Instruments included a questionnaire regarding CAT, primary care, and mental health utilization (lifetime and in the last year, along with a consumer satisfaction rating), the computer-based algorithmic Diagnostic Interview Schedule, the Brief Symptom Index, and the Michigan Alcohol-Drug Test. A pilot study had shown 3 CAT modalities were most common: shaman/healer, herbal/over-the-counter, and ritual-ceremonial healing.

Findings. All three categories of CAT were prevalent and highly associated with primary care and mental health care. CAT was associated with number of current psychiatric disorders, but showed an association with some psychiatric disorders b (i.e., Mood and Anxiety Disorders) ut not other disorders (e.g., Substance Use Disorders). Patients were more satisfied with CAT care than with other venues of care.

Conclusions. CAT is common among American Indian veterans, but no more common than in other groups. It is highly associated with "professional" care and with some, but not all psychiatric disorders.