Chickasaw Nation tackles youth substance abuse

The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma has started a program to address drug and alcohol abuse among young tribal members.

The nine-week program seeks to educate youth about the dangers of substance abuse. Students under the age of 18 are referred to the program, which is free of charge.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report last week that said Native Americans were more likely to report a substance use disorder than any other racial or ethnic group. Native youth report the highest use of illicit drugs.

Get the Story:
Chickasaw Nation fighting addictions (The Ada Evening News 1/30)

SAMHSA Report:
Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders among American Indians and Alaska Natives (January 2007)

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